Newcastle United set to trigger midfielder deal & hold talks with duo whose contracts expire in 2025

The Magpies triggered one-year options in Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth’s contracts last season but are now in position where they must negotiate new terms if they are to avoid losing the pair on a free transfer this summer.

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

The retired Switzerland international, who turns 33 next month, 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.

Krafth, although not a regular starter, is viewed as a valued and dependable member of the squad with his versatility providing cover at right-back and centre-back. He has also displayed a strong mentality after battling back from 14 months out with an ACL injury.

As per Mail Online, United are in talks with the pair’s representatives over extending their respective deals.

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.

Long-serving skipper Jamaal Lascelles and striker Callum Wilson are also out-of-contract at the end of the campaign while Newcastle will also have decisions to make on goalkeepers Martin Dubravka, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie.