Sources: Newcastle United see contract talks with key star breakdown, replacements are being targeted

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC Football understands that contract talks between Newcastle United and Joelinton have broken down, putting the Brazilian’s future at St James’ Park in major doubt.

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been a vital cog in the midfield for Eddie Howe’s side with his new role in the engine room bringing the best out of the former Hoffenheim forward.

However, despite this, contract talks between club and player have, as of yet, failed to progress with sources revealing to HITC Football that these talks did not go very far with the two sides currently being some way off an agreement.

Joelinton earns a basic wage of around £70,000-a-week although there are understood to be add-ons, with his current deal having just 18 months left to run before it expires in June of 2025.

Newcastle’s position

Sources have also confirmed to HITC Football that the Geordie side wants the 27-year-old midfielder to remain at the club but Joelinton wants to be paid closest to the top earner at the club which is currently another Brazilian in Bruno Guimaraes.

However, despite his good performances for the Geordie side over recent seasons, Newcastle are not prepared to offer the money he is looking for and have informed that they would be looking to sell him in the summer if they do not reach an agreement over extending his stay at the club.

With Joelinton currently on the sidelines with an injury there are fears that the Brazilian has played his final game for the club which would be a sad way to end what has been a fruitful signing, despite his poor start under Steve Bruce.

Newcastle target replacements

HITC Football understands a number of clubs are already keeping tabs on the situation including Juventus and Atletico Madrid. It would be some step up for the Brazilian who, barely two years ago, was touted as being not good enough for Newcastle.

Losing Joelinton would be a big blow but as any well-run organisation would, contingency plans are being put in place with replacements already being sought after if the club are forced to sell the 27-year-old.

Newcastle have a shortlist of options with HITC Football understanding that Atalanta’s Ederson, Everton’s Amadou Onana, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone are all potential targets for Howe’s side with groundwork already being done on these deals.