'Absolute priority' - Newcastle United CEO & co-owners negotiating deal for £40m midfielder

Eddie Howe says securing Joelinton's long-term future at Newcastle United is an "absolute priority" for him.

The Magpies' head coach admitted last month there is a possibility Joelinton has played his last game for United. The Brazilian is in a race against time to play again this season after undergoing thigh surgery and is out-of-contract next summer.

Talks have taken place over a new deal but, as it stands, the two parties remain some way apart from an agreement. With Dan Ashworth departing St James' Park last week, CEO Darren Eales and co-owners Amanda Staveley & Mehrdad Ghodoussi have been tasked with finding a solution.

And Howe is desperate for the 27-year-old to extend his stay on Tyneside having first arrived from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for a then club-record £40million.

“That’s always been in my mind as an absolute priority to try and get him to stay at the club long-term," said Howe. "I see that as hugely important."

Asked who would handle the negotiations in Ashworth's absence, Howe confirmed: "I think it’ll be a mixture of Darren Eales and probably Amanda and Mehrdad."

Joelinton has scored 25 times and provided 15 assists in 180 appearances for Newcastle. Last year, Joelinton made his Brazil debut.

“We’ve missed Joe’s qualities, especially physical - his robustness, his ability in duels, set plays for and against… I think we’re very lucky to have a midfielder as big and competitive as he is," said Howe.

"Whenever you lose those qualities I think you notice when they’re not there. He’s a very unusual midfielder really, you don’t get many like him and we’ve missed what he can bring."