Newcastle United announce rebuilding plan as key man signs new contract

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has already handed out one new deal as the club look to the future

Newcastle United are poised to announce a new contract extension for long serving defender Fabian Schar – and more new deals could be on the way. Fans are eager to see Alexander Isak pen an improved deal while there are decisions to be made on Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson.

The former Switzerland international’s current deal runs out at the end of the campaign but Eddie Howe has already started his rebuilding project for next season. In a tone setting press conference for the last 10 game of the season – which starts with a home game against Brentford – Howe underlined the importance of getting into the Champions League for financial reasons.

But his comments on Schar’s imminent contract extension dropped a major hint that Newcastle are already making big decisions for the future. Schar will be 34 in December but has played 32 matches for the Magpies this season and can be relied on.

Speaking at his press conference, Howe said: “Fabian will sign a new deal imminently — if he hasn’t done so already.

Newcastle will now go into the clash against the Bees knowing that they can leap into a Champions League slot. Howe did not need reminding of the riches at stake with millions on the table for playing in the 36-team format.

Howe said: “There’s no doubting the power of Champions League football. It could be game-changing in terms of revenue and also in terms of what it means and the competition, and then of course the changes that you have to make to be ready for Champions League football.

That changes everything, as we found last year to our cost to some degree with the extra game, so there’s a lot to think about.