One of Newcastle United’s longest serving players could be tempted to bring an end to his time as a Magpies during the January transfer window.
As it stands, United defender Fabian Schar will enter the final six months of his current deal in the new year and that will allow him to enter into negotiations over a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England before making a free agent switch next summer. The classy centre-back has become a popular figure with the St James Park faithful throughout his seven-year spell as a Magpie and showed just why he is viewed as a key member of Eddie Howe’s squad with a composed display in Saturday night’s impressive win against Manchester City.
The United boss has always been a keen admirer of Schar and is believed to be keen to retain the defender’s services beyond the end of his current contract. The former Switzerland international has already spoken of his desire to extend his time on Tyneside and talks over a new deal are believed to be ongoing – but one report has suggested Schar could be ‘tempted’ to consider a January move away from St James Park.
Former Manchester United and Sunderland scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “Obviously Schar is out of contract at the end of the season and there is interest from overseas potentially on a free transfer. I think Eddie Howe ideally would like to keep hold of Fabian Schar. He definitely won’t want to lose him mid-season. Ideally Newcastle would like to keep hold of Fabian Schar, but a lot will depend on the player, whether he wants to stay or not.
“If he’s not playing regularly at this stage of his career, he could maybe be tempted in a move away in search of regular first team football. He started the first four games of the season, but obviously lost his place when he picked up that injury, then Malick Thiaw came in and he’s been outstanding alongside Sven Botman.”