Amanda Staveley set for 'crucial' talks and Toon handed boost ahead of West Ham clash

In his latest piece for The Telegraph, Luke Edwards has reported on the positive noises coming from Newcastle's recent trip to Dubai and talks around a new contract for Joelinton.

He reports that Amanda Staveley has made negotiations with Joelinton one of her top priorities and plans to hold a series of 'crucial meetings' in the next few weeks, where the club hope to get an answer from the Brazilian and his representatives.

Joelinton is out of contract next summer, but the club are hoping to persuade the 27-year-old to sign a new deal. So far, it's reported that the player is demanding wages that would make him one of the club's top earners.

As for our warm-weather trip to Dubai over the international break, it's believed Eddie Howe has given the players - and staff - a chance to switch off, bond and reset after a tough few months. After that, an intense few days of training followed, with a 'renewed sense of unity' and recharged batteries noticed as the players head towards our final 10 games; with West Ham on Saturday pitched as the start of a mini-season by Howe behind the scenes.

The squad have also been boosted by news that Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento are all in contention to return on Saturday after missing out at Man City. A much-needed boost given Sven Botman and Lewis Miley were both ruled out over the break.

After a productive break, let's hope we can get back to winning ways this weekend and see Joelinton commit to a new long-term deal soon.