'Bargain' defender has already hinted he'll say yes to Newcastle United deal

Newcastle handed a two-year contract to Schar in the summer of 2022, and that was extended by a further year when a one-year option was triggered in January 2023.

Schar is therefore out-of-contract at the end of the current campaign, though it’s understood the Magpies have opened talks with his representatives over a new deal.

And the defender, who turns 33-year-old next month, has publicly admitted his desire to stay at St James’ Park.

"I feel super comfortable at Newcastle, I've been playing for years and I have a coach who backs me," Schar told Blue Sport this week. "Everything is right for me. I would love to stay. The club and coach know what they have in me.

"Basically, it's always happened relatively quickly in recent years. The club wanted to keep me, I wanted to stay. That's why it was never a big deal. There are more complicated cases than mine."

Schar is regarded by many as one of the Magpies’ best-ever pound-for-pound signings in the modern era after joining from Deportivo La Coruna for £3million in 2018.

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The retired Switzerland international is one appearance short of 200 for Newcastle having been a mainstay in the starting XI since Eddie Howe arrived as head coach three years ago.

As well as Schar, United also plan to hold talks with Emil Krafth, who also is out-of-contract this summer.

The Sweden international is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone but when fit has proven to be a valued and dependable member of the squad with his versatility providing cover at right-back and centre-back.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are set to exercise an option to extend Sean Longstaff’s contract by a further year next month.

The Geordie midfielder’s current contract - a three-year deal signed back in May 2022 - is due to expire at the end of the campaign but an option to lengthen the duration until 2026 becomes active in December.