Newcastle United set to offer Eddie Howe favourite new contract to get Toon through tough season
Newcastle United have some big calls to make when it comes to dishing out new contracts to ageing players.
Sporting director Ross Wilson wants to lower the average age of the squad, and with several players over the age of 30 heading towards the end of their deals, the door seems to be propped open for them to walk through.
However, Eddie Howe has always been a bit reluctant to let experienced players walk out the door, and he's likely to resist at least a couple of the veteran players leaving.
Fabian Schar is one player that Howe may struggle to let go of, but Kieran Trippier is the one who will really cut deep.
Newcastle could be about to offer Kieran Trippier a 12-month contract extension
Trippier was Eddie Howe's first signing as Newcastle boss; his arrival set the tone for the remainder of the transfer window and signalled the intent of the new regime to our rivals.
Not only was Trippier a statement signing, but he backed it up too with some outstanding performances and by becoming a crucial voice in the dressing room. That's something that Howe will struggle to replace.
The Chronicle are now reporting that he may not have to, not just yet anyway, as he's potentially in line to be offered a fresh 12-month extension amid rumours that Saudi clubs are potentially eyeing up a move for the 35-year-old.
Losing Kieran Trippier would be a huge blow to Newcastle
Kieran Trippier's contract is set to expire in the summer, which means January is the club's last chance to pick up any money for the former England full-back. Additionally, he's also able to sign a pre-contract agreement to join another club in the summer as he's in the last six months of his deal.
Trippier has proven himself to be a key member of the squad again this season, and it's hard to deny that we have struggled while he has been missing, so there's now a good chance that he will be offered a contract extension to keep him here for the rest of the season at least and then the club may cash in on him in the summer when they are more likely to find a suitable replacement.
At 35, we'd normally suggest that he'd be in the twilight of his career, but players are playing well into their 30s now, so he will likely feel he's got a few more years in him. Whether that be at Newcastle or elsewhere, we will always hold on to hope that his story at Newcastle United isn't over. He's been such a key figure off the field that we'd love to see him continue that sometime down the line.
