EDDIE Howe admits it's possible Joelinton has played his last game for Newcastle United - even though he's desperate to keep the midfielder on Tyneside.

The Brazil international is unlikely to play again this season after having surgery on a thigh injury in the last week. Joelinton's current Newcastle contract is up in 18 months but with the club and the player's representatives currently some way apart in new deal negotiations, the Magpies could have a decision to make in the summer.

Howe wants to keep the 27-year-old, who has established himself as a major figure since the head coach's arrival, but Newcastle are under pressure to ensure they comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules and chief executive Darren Eales recently admitted sales are inevitable.

"He has 18 months left on his contract. As his manager, I’m determined for him to stay. I love him as a person and a player, so that would be my wish, for him to sign a long-term contract," said Howe of Joelinton.

"Of course there’s more to it than that. There’s Joe’s wishes and what he wants. Before he signs a contract he has to be entirely happy with everything. We’re not at that stage yet."

Asked specifically whether Joelinton could have played his last game for the club, Howe said: “I’m not a fortune teller and I certainly hope that is not the case. There is a possibility that could be the case but I don’t know. 18 months (left on a contract) is a vulnerable time for a club. The club will need to tie Joe down to a longer term contract or there is a possibility he will be sold in the summer. That is just the reality of the situation."

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Meanwhile, Howe says he's perplexed by reports linking Jamaal Lascelles with a move to Besiktas this month as the Newcastle boss was again quizzed on the defender's contract situation.

Lascelles' current deal is due to expire at the end of the season but Howe said: “I need to have clarity on Jamaal’s contract situation but as I say, he’s a big part of our future. I’m not sure he is out of contract at the end of the season.”

On the Besiktas links, Howe said: "I can tell you absolutely nothing. That’s one I’ve got no idea where that has come from. Jamaal is a big part of what we’re doing."