Newcastle United may be about to confirm one of their biggest deals of the summer.
Indeed, Lewis Hall is reportedly able to complete his permanent move from Chelsea this weekend, should Newcastle beat Tottenham and other results go their way, which could mean the club are mathematically clear of relegation.
Still, there’s been even bigger news than that to have emerged this week.
The club have been locked in talks with one of Eddie Howe’s key players for months now.
There were huge fears Joelinton could have played his final game for the club earlier this season, having suffered a groin injury in January.
With the Brazilian out of contract next summer, there was a chance Newcastle could have to sell him in order to raise funds while they still could.
Still, reports from The Daily Telegraph earlier this week claimed the 27-year-old was set to sign a new four-year deal at St James’ Park.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has since suggested the club aren’t paying crazy money for his new salary either, so it looks like a huge boost for everyone involved at Newcastle.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared even more insight.
Fabrizio Romano says Newcastle staff deserve big praise for what they have just done
Speaking to CaughtOffside, the noted transfer insider claimed Newcastle staff deserve huge praise for convincing Joelinton to stay.
Romano suggests the midfielder was open to a move away – albeit nothing with another club was close – but was made to feel “special” during contract talks.
“He wasn’t close to signing for any another club, but credits to Newcastle staff as Joelinton was open to all options but Newcastle made him feel special,” he said.
Steve Nickson crucial in getting Joelinton to sign new Newcastle contract
With Romano praising the club’s staff for their work, it’s worth noting that the Telegraph suggests Newcastle’s chief scout Steve Nickson was crucial in the talks with Joelinton.
Nickson is reportedly under consideration for a promotion to become Newcastle’s new sporting director in the wake of Dan Ashworth’s departure and surely did not do his chances of that any harm during these talks.
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