Lee Charnley is currently in talks with a number of Newcastle United players over new deals at the club.
Steve Bruce confirmed that the managing director is in talks with four or five players he selected as the squad’s nucleus when arriving at St James’ Park in July.
Speaking before the Watford game on Saturday, as quoted by the Chronicle, Bruce revealed that Charnley is in negotiations as we speak.
“I have never really looked it at that way, contract wise,” he said.
“I said when I walked through the door there’s four or five of them who were the nucleus, who I know Lee is having a conversation with as we speak.”
A report by the Chronicle mentions Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie, Fabian Schar and Jonjo Shelvey as four players who are nearing the final year of their contract, with Martin Dubravka also mentioned as a player attracting interest from elsewhere.
OPINION
Whichever way you look at the current situation regarding the squad at Newcastle United, it is vitally important that they tie down their best players beyond their current contracts. The Magpies’ hierarchy will be keen to avoid a situation like last season where certain players forced their way out of the club and will be hoping for stability under Bruce, something that will act as an attraction to current players and potential new signings for the club. With Hayden in particular set to stay at the club after an uncertain summer, the Magpies must tie him down to a new contract to keep away potential interested parties. Schar has been immense at the back since joining, and is a pivotal part of Bruce’s back five, having made the most tackles and interceptions per game with an average of 3.7 in both [Source: WhoScored] – it is important that Bruce secures these players so he can then build his side around them. Success at Newcastle will surely depend on how Charnley handles these talks, and he must do all he can to secure all of these players to new deals.
