Newcastle United central defender Fabian Schar's performances under Eddie Howe have resulted in him being in line for a new lucrative contract at St James' Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Howe was appointed as the Magpies' head coach last November and Schar has been a key component of the Tyneside giants' backline since.

What's the latest news involving Schar?

According to TEAMtalk, Schar is on the brink of penning an extended contract and snubbing a move away from St James' Park.

The report suggests the 30-year-old - who headed to Newcastle after the club activated the £3million release clause written into his Deportivo La Coruna agreement close to four years ago - has attracted offers from Lille, Borussia Monchengladbach and Galatasaray.

But Schar has made his long-term intentions clear by telling Swiss broadcaster SRF, via The Sun, he is enjoying life under Howe and the former Bournemouth chief has played a key role in convincing him to not seek a move away from Newcastle.

The Magpies are desperate to tie Schar down to a fresh contract as his current deal, worth £47,000-per-week, is due to expire in the summer.

With uncertainty over where his future lies, the 69-cap Switzerland international has been able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas suitors since the turn of the year.

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What has Keith Downie said about Schar?

Downie understands that Schar, along with midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, is a Newcastle star that Howe admires.

The Sky Sports reporter feels that Schar's performances since the change of management have warranted an improved contract on Tyneside.

Downie told GIVEMESPORT: "Eddie Howe really rates Jonjo Shelvey and he rates Fabian Schar as well, so I think he'll want to keep that continuity there.

"Someone like Fabian Schar has played himself into a really good contract given how well he's played since Howe came in."

Why are Newcastle keen to hand Schar a new contract?

Howe has made it clear that he sees Schar as a key member of his future plans by describing him as a 'fantastic footballer' and admitting he has been 'an admirer of Fabian from afar for a long, long time'.

Schar's importance to the 44-year-old is emphasised by the fact that he has made 20 appearances since the alteration in the dugout.

The Swiss centre-half is closing in on 100 appearances for Newcastle and he has also shown that he can be a threat in the opposition's penalty area by racking up nine goals and a further three assists.