Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton is close to agreeing a new contract with the club with his current deal expiring next summer.
The Magpies have had a series of positive meetings with the Brazilian international and his representatives recently and are confident of closing a new four-year deal imminently.
The extension would give the boss Eddie Howe a big boost in what has been a season of upheaval on the injury front.
Contract negotiations with Joelinton It hasn't been a bed of roses for club bosses but a breakthrough in discussions is likely to see the 27-year-old commit his future to the Magpies.
Joelinton has been a key figure in the Howe era, but persistent injury problems this season have left a void in an already depleted Newcastle midfield.
Howe has stressed the importance of keeping Joelinton in front of the club's senior figures and looks set to get his way.
Keeping Joelinton at the club is a declaration of intentions for next season, even more so taking into account the uncertainty surrounding the future of Bruno Guimaraes.
Sandro Tonali Set to return from suspension next summer, Howe hopes to finally unleash his trio of star midfielders for an extended period.
With just 15 months remaining on his current contract and the likelihood of an exit this summer if a deal is not reached, Joelinton's future has been a high priority for the club.
The final details of the new deal are still being worked out, but the Brazilian will become one of the club's highest-earning players alongside his compatriot Guimaraes.
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Joelinton is currently sidelined with a groin injury but is believed to be progressing well ahead of a potential return to action early next month.
The Magpies are still in the race for European qualification after a topsy-turvy season in which the club has overcome difficulties both on and off the field.
Howe's side have seen an improvement in form sparked by their stunning 4-3 comeback win over West Ham on March 30.
This was followed by a 1-1 draw with Everton and last Saturday's 1-0 win at Fulham, which left the Magpies eighth in the table, two points behind manchester united in the race for Europe.
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With a favorable run of games ahead of them and the return of Joelinton, Newcastle's hopes of a second successive European campaign are very much alive.
