EDDIE HOWE feels Bruno Guimaraes’ £36m transfer fee was a “bargain” – and claims the Brazilian is one of the most talented players he has ever worked with.

Guimaraes produced a midfield masterclass this afternoon as his two goals helped Newcastle claim a 5-1 win over Brentford.

The 24-year-old opened the scoring at St James’ Park with a header from Kieran Trippier’s cross, before claiming his second goal of the afternoon with a superb long-range finish in the second half.

Newcastle shelled out £36m to sign Guimaraes from Lyon in January, with the fee increasingly looking like an extremely astute piece of business.

Howe said: “I find it difficult with that number, but I would say that he’s a bargain in today’s current climate. He’s absolutely a bargain because he’s had a huge effect on the team and the club.

“In today’s market, that is a relatively modest sum, which I can’t really believe I’m saying. But it is.

“No disrespect to anyone I’ve played with, but they can’t compare to Bruno, maybe bar Jermain Defoe, who was incredible in his early days. But there’d be no one else like him.

“In terms of coaching, I’ve coached some really good individuals, but he would be right up there. He’s an incredible talent and an incredible person. We love him to bits, and we’re enjoying watching him, coaching him and playing a part in his development.”

Guimaraes was cheered from the field when he was substituted in the second half, and Howe is in doubt as to his importance to the Newcastle team.

He added: “It’s an amazing thing for us to have him, it’s not just the player, it’s the person as well. I can’t say how good a person he is, he’s a pleasure to coach and be around.

“He’s a really positive person, an energiser, and someone I love to coach and be with. I think everyone here connected with the club – me, the players, the supporters – absolutely love him.”

Today’s win, which followed hot on the heels of last weekend’s three-goal success at Fulham, has lifted Newcastle to fifth position in the table.

Howe said: “I think the complexion has changed off the back of the last two results. We were well aware that those draws we got earlier in the season were going to be judged on what we did after, not necessarily at the time. They’re good points if you then go and win, but they’re disappointing points if you don’t.

“Thankfully, we’ve gone back to back and won the games we needed to. Now, we enter a really tough three-game week, and we’re well aware that those games are difficult. We’ll enjoy tonight, and enjoy the feeling of how well the team has done, but then quickly focus on what’s ahead.”