Newcastle United are optimistic about securing an extension for key defender Fabian Schar soon, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Football Insider reckons Newcastle United will hope to tie Fabian Schar to a new deal with Eddie Howe, who remains keen to retain the defender. The 31-year-old Swiss international’s contract expires in the summer, as the Magpies boss is eager to keep the core player.
Newcastle United are still a work in progress and have sufficient work ahead in the transfer market with their squad building. Eddie Howe has yet to spend big on his backline, especially in central defence, as he has faith in Fabian Schar and Sven Botman.
The latter’s injury this season has brought things into perspective, with Howe eager to shore up the depth in the position ahead of January. Newcastle United have relied on forgotten club captain Jamal Lascelles to deputise for Botman. He has done a decent job so far alongside Schar.
Howe would want to retain his core defensive players, of which Schar is a big part. The £40,000-a-week defensive mainstay’s current deal expires in the summer, as Newcastle United have engaged in contract talks for some time now.
They are eager to tie him to a new contract and improvise on his £40,000-a-week wages. Schar has performed well alongside Botman. He proved instrumental in helping Newcastle United finish fourth last season.
The club are set to intensify their efforts to bring his contract situation up to speed and hopes to agree on an extension. After getting that out of the way, Howe will push the club to sign a new defender, with Jean-Clair Todibo linked, among other names.
Howe thinks hard about future plans as he wants an astute backline. Newcastle United are also linked with Arouna Sangante, the 21-year-old sensation from Le Havre. He represents a solid option for the future but generally lacks the experience of top-league football.
With the presence of Schar and Botman, Howe can bring in someone like Sangante and bridge the gap in the squad. The Magpies will stay active in January and keep their search going for a new centre-back. They will likely achieve their target with Schar’s potential extension and keep the 31-year-old for a few years.
