Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton is close to agreeing a new contract at the club with his current deal expiring next summer.
The Magpies have held a succession of positive meetings with the Brazil international and his representatives of late and are confident of tying up a new four-year deal imminently.
The extension would hand boss Eddie Howe a huge boost in what has been a season of turmoil on the injury front.
Contract negotiations with Joelinton have not been plain sailing for club chiefs but a breakthrough in discussions is likely to see the 27-year-old commit his future to the Magpies.
Joelinton has been a key figure in the Howe era but persistent injury problems this season has left a hole in an already decimated Newcastle midfield.
Howe has stressed the importance of keeping hold of Joelinton to senior figures at the club and it appears he will get his way.
Keeping Joelinton at the club provides a statement of intent ahead of next season, more so with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Bruno Guimaraes.
Sandro Tonali is set to return from suspension next summer and Howe will hope he can finally unleash his star midfield trio for a sustained period.
With just 15 months remaining on his existing deal and the likelihood of a departure this summer if no agreement was in place, Joelinton’s future has been a high priority for the club.
Final details of the new deal are still in motion but the Brazilian is set to become one of the club’s top earners alongside compatriot Guimaraes.
Joelinton is currently on the sidelines with a groin injury but is believed to be making good progress ahead of a possible return to action early next month.
The Magpies are still in the running for European qualification after a topsy-turvy season that has seen the club overcome difficulties both on and off the pitch.
Howe’s side have undergone an upturn in form sparked by their stunning 4-3 comeback win over West Ham on March 30.
That was followed by a 1-1 draw with Everton and last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Fulham, leaving the Magpies eighth in the table – two-points adrift of Manchester United in the race for Europe.
With a favourable run of fixtures ahead and the return of Joelinton, Newcastle’s hopes of a second-successive European campaign are very much alive.
News Summary:
- Joelinton set to sign new four-year deal in huge boost for Newcastle
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