Newcastle covering bases as two more fringe stars offered new deals

Reports claim that Newcastle United are in talks with another two players about renewing their current contracts at St James’ Park.

The Magpies have recently offered new deals to a couple of players to prevent them from leaving for nothing. Striker Dwight Gayle and defender Fabian Schar have already been offer fresh terms. And now it seems as though Jacob Murphy and Federico Fernandez may well follow suit. Murphy, 26, has been on the peripheries for most of the season.

The winger has made nine Premier League starts among 18 appearances. He has scored one goal but seems to have done enough to earn fresh terms on Tyneside.

Centre-back Fernandez has struggled with injury this season. Consequently, the former Argentina international has only enjoyed 16 top-flight outings.

At 32, it was thought his days in the north east might be numbered. But The Chronicle are reporting that he will also be offered a new contract.

And it has been suggested that the duo will sign their deals ‘in the next few days’. It means the club is in the process of securing four players ahead of the summer transfer window.

There is always the possibility that Newcastle are covering themselves. With new deals in the bag, the Tynesiders can now demand a transfer fee should any club come in for the quartet.

The financial situation brought on by the pandemic means clubs will need to be frugal. Owner Mike Ashley has made it clear that Steve Bruce will need to sell before he recruits.

Therefore any of the four might still be jettisoned when the window opens.

Gayle deal raises a few eyebrows

Reports that Gayle is to be handed another three years at the club caught a few by surprise. Having shone in the Championship during the Magpies’ promotion season, he is now a bit-part player.

The former Crystal Palace ace has made only three top-flight starts among nine outings in 2020-2021. The forward has scored just once and had been tipped to leave when his deal expired.

With Bruce’s side hovering just above the relegation zone, it may be that they are already planning for life in the Championship. He is a proven goalscorer in the second tier and could do a job if they are relegated.

There is still time for the men in black and white to pull themselves out of the mire. They are three points clear of 18th-placed Fulham with a game in hand.

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