Newcastle United hoping to announce new contracts for duo after Fabian Schar news

Eddie Howe wants Geordie duo Sean Longstaff and Paul Dummett to pen new contracts with their boyhood club.

The pair remain the only first-team players out-of-contract this summer after it was announced Fabian Schar had extended his stay on Friday morning.

Longstaff is a player Howe has spoken very highly of, despite starting just three games in 2022, as he battles Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton for the central midfield positions.

Meanwhile, Dummett has played just three games all season after his first-half of the campaign was hampered by a calf injury.

Howe wants Longstaff and Dummett to stay

Despite both players’ lack of game time, Howe wants them to follow in Schar’s shoes by committing their future to Newcastle.

Speaking ahead Saturday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, Howe said: We’ve been talking with him (Sean Longstaff) and his representatives for a while. We hope to reach a successful conclusion there.

“Paul Dummett, as I said last week, I want him to stay. Fingers crossed we can find a positive resolution.”

Howe on Schar’s new contract

Schar is a good example of grasping his opportunity under Howe. Prior to the former Bournemouth man’s arrival in November, the Switzerland international has started just three games this term.

Now, he is a key performer - missing just two of the previous 23 games.

On Schar, Howe said: “He’s got vast experience. I really like him as a player, he’s performed very, very well.

“He had a long spell out of the team and to come back into the team initially was quite difficult for him, but he’s picked up his rhythm and his form.

I think everyone knows Fab is technically a very, very good footballer. The big thing he’s proved is he can defend very, very effectively within the team structure that we’ve given him. I’m delighted with him.

“He’s been the ultimate professional off the pitch as well, he’s been very driven. He’s been a big part of our leadership within the team as well so he’s a role model for the younger players to look at in terms of how to conduct yourself as well, so I’m delighted for him.”