Sources: Fabian Schar talks advance as Newcastle work on pre-January deal
Newcastle United are still in talks with Fabian Schar over a new contract despite suggestions he could be tempted to leave St James’ Park.
A number of Bundesliga clubs are believed to be interested in signing Schar as he is currently set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Newcastle are keen to keep the 33-year-old beyond his current deal and are working to agree new terms as he remains a key part of Eddie Howe‘s squad.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 4 November that Newcastle are holding talks with Schar about his future and the possibility of a new deal.
The Switzerland international is in his eighth season on Tyneside, and his wealth of experience and knowledge of the club is seen as a valuable asset for Howe.
Newcastle United continuing Fabian Schar contract talks
Malick Thiaw arrived from AC Milan in the summer, while Sven Botman has shown a return to form, and the pair are seen as the future of Howe’s defensive unit.
However, their emergence as key starters in the Magpies’ back four is not expected to impact the club’s view on Schar, with contract talks ongoing.
As I explained on the Inside Track podcast, “Newcastle would like to keep Fabian Schar, he still remains a key member of that Newcastle squad.
“Obviously Schar is out of contract at the end of the season and there is interest from overseas in him potentially on a free transfer.
“That doesn’t come as a surprise, he’s a top player and he’s proven that at Newcastle.
“I think Eddie Howe ideally would like to keep hold of Schar. He definitely won’t want to lose him mid-season, especially given their current struggles in the Premier League.
“So they definitely won’t be looking to cash in on Schar in the January window. Talks are ongoing and ideally Newcastle would like to keep hold of Fabian Schar.”
Schar could leave Newcastle as Bundesliga move lined up
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 18 November that Newcastle could allow Schar to leave the club in the near future.
A decision is set to be made about his future prior to the January window, so everybody knows where they stand, whether it’s a renewed deal or talks about his exit.
Schar is out of contract at the end of the season and will be able to discuss a move away amid interest from Bundesliga sides in the January transfer window.
In the meantime, Football Insider revealed on 26 October that sporting director Ross Wilson is accelerating contract talks at Newcastle to get key players tied down.
While Schar’s future remains undetermined, there are a number of star players in line for extensions as Howe has no plans to lose his best assets.
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