Schar and Yedlin attracting overseas interest
NEWCASTLE’S owners – whoever they may be – will have a decision to make on defender Fabian Schar this summer with clubs already showing interest in the Switzerland international.
Schar has started 17 times this season and would like more football, either at Newcastle or elsewhere.
He appeared in an unfamiliar midfield role on Wednesday at Manchester City, a week after a below-par display in the FA Cup against the same opponents, and struggled in the same role yesterday in the defeat at Watford.
The defender is 28 and has another year left on the three-year deal signed when Rafa Benitez recruited him for a bargain £3.5million in 2018.
However, despite some initial talks with his agent, Schar is yet to sign a new deal and there is now some doubt about whether he will stay.
United are scouting centre-backs and there is interest from Serie A in Schar, who has been a popular addition at St James’ Park and has scored some memorable goals.
Isaac Hayden, Dwight Gayle, Karl Darlow, Christian Atsu and Ciaran Clark are also out of contract in
2021 and all could move on.
Newcastle are very keen to retain Hayden but nothing has been agreed.
Reports in the US have confirmed Deandre Yedlin (inset) is likely to leave Newcastle in the summer – with a meeting being held tomorrow to discuss his future.
With 12 months left on his contract and the player looking for more game time, an exit seems inevitable.
United have been scouting right-sided wing-backs.
● FANS may not get to see Hayden nor Sean Longstaff again this season with the pair suffering serious muscle tears.
Longstaff came off against Bournemouth while Hayden broke down in the 2-2 draw against West Ham.
Steve Bruce confirmed both midfielders were ‘touch and go’ on whether they would return before the campaign is up. However, it is hoped that Andy Carroll will return before the season is out.
The injuries to Longstaff and Hayden present an ideal opportunity for Nabil Bentaleb to impress Bruce – who had called him ‘excellent’ prior to the City game – although time is running out for the midfielder.
With his future at Schalke all but over, the former Spurs man is keen to return to the Premier League but the jury remains out on the 25-year-old.
● IT is understood Newcastle’s new home shirt could be launched on the final day of the Premier League season.
United’s new kit is another Puma design.
The German brand has already launched Borussia Dortmund’s new strip and will unveil its Manchester City design next week.
United are one of the other marquee clubs on the roster who get bespoke designs and decisions on the strip have been made by the existing hierarchy.
Whether the kit does get unveiled in time for the Liverpool game or not may depend on the takeover being confirmed – unlocking other decisions about commercial contracts.
First versions of the kit were sent to wholesalers without a sponsor on.