Now Krul and Coloccini have pledged their futures- its time to tempt their star striker to do the same.
The news that goalkeeper Tim Krul and defender Fabricio Coloccini had signed new contracts at St James’ Park is a huge lift for the Magpies.
While this season has been enjoyable and successful beyond expectation, the prospect of losing their star players in the summer has lurked menacingly.
Krul had been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur and Coloccini had been reported to be a Liverpool target, so to lock down two of the men at the heart of their defence is terrific news.
Add this to Cheik Tiote who signed a six-year deal last January and the long-term future suddenly looks more secure.
One player they need to wave a pen and a new contract at, is top scorer Demba Ba.
Ba has been the subject of frenzied speculation after it was revealed he has a buyout clause of no more than £7 million, of which the club may only receive half.
With the summer transfer window coming up, the club hierarchy should act fast to ensure the striker is not unsettled more.
They should be drawing up a new contract, offering him an improved deal to reflect his value to the squad, and scrap the buyout clause.
If Ba refuses it, then Newcastle will know where he stands in his long-term commitment to the club, and they haven’t lost anything.
If he signs it, they can tie down one of their biggest stars and ensure he is not unsettled over the summer months, and also set themselves up so that if he one day does leave, they will receive a fee matching his market value.
It makes sense, and it would be foolish not to offer Ba a new contract. After all, Tiote was offered a new deal after just being at the club six months, so its time for Mike Ashley to make it happen.
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image: © mikebrown59
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