Newcastle are close to finalising a new contract with Joelinton after a series of positive meetings with the player and his representatives, according to The Telegraph.
The expected announcement of the extension will be a huge boost to Eddie Howe and the Newcastle board, who had made a successful conclusion to these problematic contract talks their main priority before the end of the season.
Replacing Joelinton in midfield would be a huge challenge and Howe has consistently stressed the club had to fight to keep him.
Indeed, although an outline of recruitment needs had been drawn up ahead of the summer transfer window, nothing could be firmed up into a shortlist until they knew if they could keep one of their marquee names.
Joelinton, who has become integral to Howe’s plans as a box-to-box midfield enforcer, only has 15 months remaining on his existing deal and would have been made available for transfer in the summer if he did not agree to extend.
Joelinton will become one of the club’s top earners, moving alongside compatriot Bruno Guimaraes, and is expected to commit himself to the club for the next four years.
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