Sources: Newcastle now expect to agree Fabian Schar deal after green light
Newcastle are confident of extending Fabian Schar's stay at the club with a new contract after getting the green light from Saudi-based owners PiF, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (5 December) the Magpies want to extend the 31-year-old's contract at St James’ Park.
It is believed they are hopeful of finding a full agreement with the Switzerland international despite background interest from clubs across Europe.
Schar’s current deal, which he penned in 2022, is set to expire at the end of the season.
The centre-back has racked up 21 appearances across all competitions, scoring once.
He has played every minute of every game for the Magpies in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Schar has partnered club captain Jamaal Lascelles in recent weeks following the serious injury to Sven Botman, who remains out of action.
Eddie Howe wants to keep him at St James' Park despite instructing his recruitment staff to scour the market for centre-back reinforcements during the most recent summer window.
Schar, 31, joined Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018 for a reported fee of just £3million.
He reportedly earns a weekly wage of £40,000-a-week on Tyneside.
The defender has racked up 162 total appearances since arriving at the club, scoring 11 goals and notching six assists.
Newcastle are eyeing up a move for a new central defender in 2024.
Football Insider revealed on 23 November that the Magpies, Wolves and Fulham have joined elite Premier League sides in the race for Le Havre defender sensation Arouna Sangante.
Man United, Man City and Chelsea have also set their sights on signing the 21-year-old – who is one of the hottest properties in French football.