Newcastle United open contract talks with two players - ‘strong possibility’ they’ll sign

Newcastle United remain in contract talks with Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie about extending their long stay at St James’ Park.

Both players, who have made 403 Magpies appearances between them, are out of contract at the end of the month having barely featured during the 2022-23 season.

Dummett featured just once - a Carabao Cup game against Tranmere Rovers in August - while Ritchie played 10 times, though only two were starts.

Despite their lack of game time, head coach Eddie Howe has spoken highly of their professionalism and leadership, which the 45-year-old believes is worth retaining as he looks to maintain the squad unity that has taken United to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

What has Eddie Howe said about Dummett and Ritchie?

Speaking before the final Premier League game of last season against Chelsea, Howe revealed his intentions to keep Dummett at St James’ Park.

“I hope we can come to an agreement with Paul and he will stay for next year,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “I think he is a vital part behind the scenes of our success this year. He’s trained superbly and his commitment to Newcastle is undoubted. We’d love him to extend his stay.”

Howe said similarly about Ritchie, though admitted he could depart because of family reasons.

“I’ve held various discussions with Matt throughout the season and I think, first and foremost, he’s been very committed to Newcastle and to the team and aims this season,” said Howe. “I have said I desperately want to keep him next year.

“He has had issues surrounding his family and the distance between him and them, it’s never easy when you have young children and that distance when you’re a parent is tough at times. But Matt has been exceptional and I certainly hope he stays for next season.”

Dummett came through the academy at Newcastle before making his senior debut in 2013. Meanwhile, Ritchie has been on Tyneside since 2016 after joining from Bournemouth.

When will Newcastle United announce their retained list?

While we wait to hear Newcastle’s retained list ahead of the 2023-2 season, The Telegraph reports “there is a strong possibility” the pair will stay.

A retained list must be submitted at the end of every Premier League season outlining which players are staying at the club, as well as those being released following the expiration of their contracts.

NewcastleWorld reached out to the Premier League to ask when clubs have to file their retained list, to which they replied “this date is still TBC but likely published mid-June”.

Mark Gillespie, Loris Karius Matty Longstaff and Ciaran Clark are also out of contract this summer.