Newcastle United has confirm the extension of contract by player Eddie Howe loves mostly

Newcastle United have yet to confirm the move that will see one of their most influential players extend their stay on Tyneside.

Jamaal Lascelles has yet to feature for Newcastle United this season as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Having suffered the injury against West Ham at the end of March last year, it has been over a year since the defender has featured for the Magpies – and he faces a race against time to be fit this season.

“I don’t know whether we’ll see Jamaal before the end of the season,” Eddie Howe recently said. “I don’t really want to set a target on his time to return. He’s started very light training with the squad, but that would be light, not necessarily in competitive drills.

“He’s joined in the drills that have been non-competitive, and he’s looked really good. It’s small steps for him. We’re hoping he can definitely be joining in and competing in training before the end of the season, but whether that ties in with the team and whether he gets there in time in terms of competitive action, let’s wait and see.

“He’s a big player for us. He’s very popular, and he’s still a huge leader in the group. He’s got a big presence, and I’m delighted that he got to lift the cup with the other guys. He deserved that moment for the length of time he’s been here and the service he’s given the club.”

Despite this injury, Lascelles remains a huge part of Howe’s squad and the leadership group within the club. Having been Newcastle United captain for the best part of a decade, the 31-year-old has qualities that will be very hard to replace – and that may have formed part of the reasoning for the club wanting to extend his stay.