'Of course' - Joelinton has already addressed his Newcastle United future amid contract claim

Joelinton looks set to extend his stay at Newcastle United following months of uncertainity.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe said in January it is a “possibility” Joelinton could be sold this summer if a new deal isn’t agreed. The six-year contract he signed when joining from Hoffenheim in 2019 for a then club-record £40million is due to expire in 2025.

Although slow at first, talks between Newcastle’s hierarchy and Joelinton are understood to have progressed well in recent weeks. And as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United have verbally agreed a new four-year contract with the 27-year-old.

It was maybe feared by some that Joelinton would leave but when commenting on his future in December, the midfielder’s intentions were made clear.

“Yes, of course I want to stay,” Joelinton told The Times. “I feel at home here. My family feels at home, my son has friends here. I love the city. There have been talks. There’s nothing close yet but there’s been conversation and it’s a good start.”

Newcastle also made their desire known to retain Joelinton via Howe.

“That’s always been in my mind as an absolute priority to try and get him to stay at the club long-term," Howe said this year. "I see that as hugely important.

“We’re still trying from the club’s side. We’re desperate to keep him, we know his qualities and what he brings, but I don’t think there has been a major update or any major change to the situation.

"I don’t know if we’re looking to make a statement, we’re just looking to try and keep a very good player at the football club for everyone’s benefit.

"He always plays with a massive heart, commitment so we’d love to keep him long-term. I feel I have a very good relationship with him, I feel we’ve built up a trust between us. Personally, I’d love to see that."

Joelinton has been out injured since January after undergoing thigh surgery but is pushing to return before the end of the campaign as Newcastle challenge the European qualification spots.