By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

5th Dec, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Big update on Fabian Schar's Newcastle United future

Newcastle United want to extend defender Fabian Schar’s contract at St James’ Park, sources have told Football Insider.

The Switzerland international’s current deal, which he penned in 2022, is set to expire at the end of the season.

Schar, who originally joined Newcastle in 2018, has become a key man for Eddie Howe’s side since the Englishman’s arrival in 2021.

He is fast becoming a leader for the Magpies and has played every minute of their Premier League and Champions League campaigns so far this season.

But with the defender out of contract in June, the Tynesiders are now set to work on a deal to tie the 31-year-old down.

The right-footed centre-back has racked up 20 appearances across all competitions, scoring once.

He has been a top performer for Howe’s side – who have been decimated by injuries so far in the 2023-24 campaign.

Schar joined Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018 for a reported fee of just £3million.

Howe is keen to keep the 78-cap Switzerland international at the club despite scouring the market for centre-back reinforcements during the most recent summer window.

Jamaal Lascelles has come into the defence alongside Schar in recent weeks following an injury to Sven Botman, who last played for the club on 24 September.

Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table following their 1-0 win against Man United on Saturday (2 December).

Schar and the Magpies are next in action against Everton on Thursday (7 December).

In other news, Man United and Newcastle in pole position to sign red-hot striker.