Exclusive: Newcastle United star was “open” to other transfer options, claims expert

Newcastle United are close to tying Joelinton down to a new contract despite the player having also been open to other opportunities, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that Newcastle did well to persuade Joelinton to stay as he was seemingly quite open to other possibilities, even if he was ultimately also happy to stay at St James’ Park.

After a bit of a slow start when he first joined the Magpies, Joelinton is now a top performer for Eddie Howe’s side, and the club will surely be delighted to have kept hold of him for the long-term, with Romano reporting that the Brazil international has committed to signing a four-year contract.

It’s not done just yet, but it seems this is one that Romano expects to go through, with the 27-year-old supposedly feeling ‘special’ at Newcastle after fine work by the club.

Joelinton transfer: Newcastle midfielder set to stay, says Romano

Discussing the latest on Joelinton’s situation at Newcastle, Romano said: “Finally on Newcastle, Joelinton is close to signing a new contract, as reported yesterday. It’s a four year deal, it’s close, though not signed yet, but it’s all going in the right direction and is considered matter of time.

“He wasn’t close to signing for any another club, but credits to Newcastle staff as Joelinton was open to all options but Newcastle made him feel special.”

Newcastle will need to keep players like Joelinton this summer as there may be some departures, with Romano suggesting Bruno Guimaraes could be one to watch.

“I think a summer exit for Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle is a possibility, because when you are a special player like he is, and we know