Newcastle United are advancing in contract talks with Fabian Schar, with the Swiss defender considered a key part of Eddie Howe’s plans.

According to Football Insider, Fabian Schar could be set for a stay at Newcastle United with the club advancing in contract talks. The veteran defender is into his eighth season at Tyneside, and Eddie Howe considers him a key part of his plans and remains intent on keeping the Swiss international on board.

Newcastle United’s rise to prominence over the last few years is partly due to Eddie Howe and the club’s ability to keep hold of their key stars. For instance, Fabian Schar has been at the club for eight seasons now, and form the core of the team from the back.

The Swiss defender has been rock solid in defence, and despite the arrival of Malick Thiaw in the summer, Schar has maintained his status as one of the key members of Howe’s plans. The eight-season veteran is into the final year of his deal at St. James’ Park, and he could now prolong his stay here.

Newcastle United had eyed a contract renewal for the 33-year-old as they do not want to lose the experienced star as a free agent next summer. The Magpies are advancing in talks over a new deal, as the final decision will be up to the player on whether he wants to continue here.

There is reported interest from Bundesliga sides, who are angling to take the Swiss international back to Germany, where he spent two seasons with Hoffenheim between 2015 and 2017. However, with Schar happy and settled with life in Tyneside, the eight-season veteran might lean towards continuing his career at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle United set to target a new defender?

Despite the optimism around the Fabian Schar deal, Newcastle United will not stop in their tracks about a new defender. Howe feels the team needs another player in central defence, with links to Pierre Kalulu among others.

Meanwhile, they are also set to focus on other renewals such as Schar’s centre-back partner Sven Botman, with the Dutchman seen as a key cog to Howe’s plans. Others like Bruno Guimaraes are also on their list of players for new contracts, and Schar might be the first to pen fresh terms as things stand.