Joelinton could have played his last Newcastle game amid contract stand-off… the club would be forced to sell injured Brazil star this summer if there’s no breakthrough with 18 months to run on current deal
- Joelinton picked up a thigh problem during the FA Cup tie against rivals Sunderland
- The Brazilian signed a six-year contract after joining Newcastle for £40 million in 2019
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Newcastle midfielder Joelinton could have played his last game for the club in a contract situation that would almost certainly see him leave if a solution is not reached before the summer.
Mail Sport understands the Brazilian will undergo surgery next week on the thigh injury he suffered in the FA Cup win at Sunderland this month, which will keep him out for the rest of the season.
However, Joelinton only has 18 months left on his contract – he signed a six-year deal after joining from Hoffenheim for £40m in 2019 – and his current wage demands are beyond what the club’s hierarchy are willing to pay. It would make him Newcastle’s highest earner.
Eddie Howe is determined to keep the 27-year-old, but if no compromise is reached the Magpies will be forced to sell the player in the next transfer window rather than risk him leaving for free at the end of next season . As it stands now, the two parties remain far apart in terms of numbers.
There is a chance that Joelinton’s injury could affect his thinking and he will accept Newcastle’s offer, which would be fair, but those talks have yet to take place.
Joelinton may have played his last game for Newcastle as he prepares for surgery next week
He suffered a thigh injury during the FA Cup win at Sunderland, but surgery could keep him out for the rest of the season
Eddie Howe is determined to keep the 27-year-old at the club, but the Magpies may be forced to sell due to a contract fallout
Howe, who has transformed Joelinton into a Brazil international, considers him one of his most influential players and his loss this season has left Newcastle with a shortlist of midfield replacements.
Mail Sport understands this includes Bournemouth’s Philip Billing, who signed Howe for the Cherries from Huddersfield in 2019. The Danish midfielder, 27, scored seven times last season and is having another great season.
However, we understand there is little chance of Kalvin Phillips ending up at St James’ Park this month.
There have been concerns about the 28-year-old’s lack of playing time in recent seasons and Manchester City’s current demands – a loan fee of more than £7 million – are beyond what Newcastle are willing to pay.
Due to the FFP accounting periods, they would prefer a deal that did not involve borrowing costs but offered the prospect of a permanent transfer in the summer. Sources say interest in Phillips has not disappeared, but other options are being explored.
Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, 21, was watched against Chelsea last week and has admirers, although he is likely to remain at the Championship club until the summer.
The two sides have yet to find a breakthrough as the player’s demands are considered too high
Chief scout Steve Nickson also flew to Italy this week to watch Atalanta midfielder Ederson. However, the Serie A club are asking between £40 and 50 million for the Brazilian and that is likely out of Newcastle’s reach at the moment.
In the meantime, Joe White will get his chance to shine after returning from his loan at Crewe.
The 21-year-old midfielder is set to play for Fulham in the FA Cup next weekend but will be involved when Newcastle return to the Premier League at Aston Villa on January 30.
Howe is well regarded and the coaching staff will be hoping to see a development since he was last in the senior set-up this summer.