Newcastle edge closer to two major deals as they aim to maintain their European status

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is reportedly closing in on two key deals as he looks to build on the success of last season’s fourth place finish.

The Magpies have had a mixed start to the campaign so far and they have won three and lost three of their opening six league games.

Their most recent outing saw them secure a record-breaking away win in the Premier League era as they defeated newly promoted Sheffield United by 8-0.

Sean Longstaff was the opening scorer on an afternoon which saw eight different players get on the scoresheet. Longstaff’s return to the lineup has been a catalyst for Newcastle’s improved form and they are unbeaten in every game that he has started this season.

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Longstaff has received a great deal of praise by pundits such as Jamie Redknapp for his crucial role in the team and his form was also imperative to Newcastle’s European finish last term.

The Newcastle academy graduate has been a member of the team since 2006 and he officially broke into the senior squad during the 2018/19 season under Rafael Benitez.

The midfielder’s existing deal takes him until the summer of 2025, but the Magpies are hoping to tie him down to a long term deal, according to reports from Football Insider.

Journalist Peter O’Rourke explains: “Manager Eddie Howe is keen to keep the spine of his squad at Newcastle as he looks to build on the successes of last season -  and both Longstaff and Joelinton have been identified as key.”

News of Joelinton’s potential extension will also come as music to the ears of the Newcastle faithful.

The Brazil international signed for the Magpies in 2019 for a then record-fee of £40m. He was immediately assigned the number nine shirt but struggled to deliver in front of goal with just two strikes in his term.

Joelinton initially struggled to make an impression on Tyneside but he has transformed into one of the club’s most crucial components since the arrival of Eddie Howe.

The former Hoffenheim man has featured on the left hand side of attack and through the centre of midfield and his ability and workrate have been crucial to Newcastle’s success. He has developed a key understanding with midfield partner Bruno Guimaraes, who is also edging closer to a contract renewal as reported by Fabrizo Romano last week.

Joelinton’s contract is also currently set to expire in the summer of 2025.

News of extensions for the duo will be crucial to Newcastle’s long term contract while last season’s top scorer Callum Wilson was also rewarded with a one-year extension earlier in the season.

The Magpies take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup and they will hope to build on their recent turnaround in form ahead of tests against Burnley and PSG at St James’ park.