NEWCASTLE UNITED are close to finalising a new long-term contract with Brazilian midfielder Joelinton.

A series of contractual discussions over the last month or so have resulted in the framework of an agreement being reached with Joelinton and his representatives, and the situation should be successfully resolved before the end of the season.

Retaining Joelinton had been one of Eddie Howe’s key priorities ahead of the summer, with the 27-year-old midfielder only having 15 months of his current contract remaining.

It had initially been feared that Newcastle’s budgetary restrictions might make it hard to retain Joelinton, who has developed into one of the Magpies’ key performers since switching to midfield following his £40m move from German side Hoffenheim.

However, it is understood all parties have agreed on the terms of a proposed deal that will see Joelinton receive a significant increase to his current earnings and become one of Newcastle’s highest-paid players.

The Brazil international is set to commit himself to Tyneside for another four years, removing any uncertainty over his future plans ahead of the reopening of the transfer window later this summer.

His new deal will be a major relief to Howe, who had feared losing one of his squad’s key performers during a summer window that is already shaping up to be a busy one in terms of both incomings and outgoings.

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Having initially struggled as a centre-forward, Joelinton’s fortunes on Tyneside have been transformed since his switch to a midfield position.

He has been badly missed during his ongoing injury absence, with his dynamism and energy integral to the high-intensity, high-pressing approach that Howe has tried to develop.

His recovery from a groin injury remains on track, and he should be able to return to full training at the start of next month, potentially making him available for the final three or four matches of the season.

The successful progression of contract talks in the last few weeks provides proof that Newcastle’s off-field operation has not been significantly affected by Dan Ashworth’s gardening leave.

The Magpies’ sporting director remains away from his desk after he was moved aside following confirmation of interest from Manchester United.

In his absence, head of scouting Steve Nickson has played a central role in the contractual discussions with Joelinton and his negotiating team. Darren Eales and Amanda Staveley were also involved in the process, but Nickson was heavily involved in the talks that led to Joelinton moving to Newcastle from the Bundesliga and was therefore handed a leading role in the contract talks.