Newcastle United ‘open talks’ with key Magpies duo with pair in final year of St James’ Park deals

Newcastle United have opened contract extension talks with Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson with the pair entering the final year of their respective deals at St James’ Park, according to reports.

Wilson joined the Magpies on a four-year deal from Bournemouth in 2020 while Schar joined the club from Deportivo La Coruña in 2018, signing an initial three-year deal which was extended to the summer of 2022 in 2021.

The centre-back inked a two-year contract extension last year and Football Insider report Newcastle are ready to offer him new terms while TEAMtalk reports Wilson is also in discussions over extending his stay in the north east.

Both players were key figures last term as the Magpies secured their spot in the Champions League, with Schar making 36 appearances. He scored one goal and provided three assists as Howe’s side conceded just 33 goals all season - a feat only treble winners Manchester City could match.

Wilson already has two goals to his name this season and netted an impressive 18 goals in 31 Premier League games last term - while also claiming five assists.

Schar and Wilson are just two of 11 Newcastle players currently in the final years of their deals. Goalkeepers Mark Gillespie and Loris Karius both signed one-year deals over the summer while the injured Emil Krafth will see his contract expire next summer.

Javier Manquillo, Matt Ritchie, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett are all down the pecking order at St James’ Park and are set to leave the club this summer as things stand.

Jeff Hendrick and Kelland Watts have joined Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan Athletic on loan respectively with the pair both expected to leave the club next summer when their deals expire.

The Magpies are back in Premier League action this weekend as they look to put a run of three-straight defeats behind them when they host Brentford at St James’ Park on Saturday night.