By Wayne Veysey

9th Sep, 2023 | 1:00pm

Sources: Newcastle to open Fabian Schar talks

Newcastle United are set to offer centre-back Fabian Schar a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

The 31-year-old’s current deal at St James’ Park is set to expire at the end of this season.

Schar is regarded by manager Eddie Howe as central to his plans for the 2023-24 campaign, which will see Newcastle play in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

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

Football Insider revealed on Friday (8 September) that Newcastle had a late bid rejected for Crystal Palace star Joachim Andersen before the 1 September deadline.

The offer was believed to be worth in excess of £30million.

Schar struggled with a knock during Newcastle’s 3-1 away loss at Brighton last week (2 September) but has nonetheless been able to link up with his Switzerland teammates.

He has played all 360 minutes of action in the Premier League this season.

The Magpies already have Sven Botman on the treatment table ahead of their first Champions League group game against AC Milan later this month.

Former Deportivo La Coruna star Schar was a virtual ever-present in Howe’s defence last season – starting 36 of a possible 38 Premier League games.

His last extension at Newcastle came just last year (2022) – when he signed a two-year deal.

The 76-cap Switzerland international joined the Magpies in 2018 for a reported fee of just £3million and has gone on to make 145 appearances for the club.

In other news, Newcastle set for Champions League boost amid “wildcard” news.