Newcastle United are putting the finishing touches to contracts for long serving duo Emil Krafth and Martin Dubravka.

Decisions must also be made on Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar, with Wilson and Schar already starting initial talks on extensions. Lascelles is yet to kick a ball for Newcastle this season after a knee injury but it close to a return.

The Magpies have already started early plans for the 2025/26 season with both of the experienced stars on Eddie Howe's wish-list to stay beyond this season. United may not be fully assured of a Champions League place as things stand but they are definitely in the running for a place in either a Europa League or Europa Conference League slot.

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Last season Howe was forced to change plans for the upcoming season as Newcastle slipped out of contention for Europa action in the last week after stumbling to a draw with Brighton and losing to Man United. This meant that contract offers for Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett turned into free transfer departures after Howe lost his bid to retain the duo.

Howe's side are also a potential 90 minutes away from being guaranteed a Europa Conference League play-off slot. Newcastle know that they must ensure their squad will be strong enough to cope with Europe next term having struggled to get the balance right last season.

Tying down versatile defender Krafth, who starred in the 3-2 FA Cup win at Birmingham, is deemed as key in the eyes of Howe. And as things stand Dubravka is his current number 1 with Nick Pope stepping in as deputy at St Andrew's.

Although, Pope will be desperate to ensure he is between the posts for the Carabao Cup final next month after missing out on the 2023 final through suspension. Dubravka, now 36, started negotiations on an extension last month and Chronicle Live understands that it was on the proviso he would be compensated for missing out on a money spinning move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.

Krafth's current deal, like Dubravka's, is due to expire at the end of the season but with Newcastle chiefs preparing for four competitions his ability to step in across the back four as a back-up man is seen as vital.

Other squad members who are waiting to hear on their futures are reserve team keepers John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, while youngster Jay Turner-Cooke's deal expires at the end of the season.

Speaking on Krafth, Howe said: "I believe talks are ongoing. He's someone we want to keep." When asked about Dubravka, Howe said, "There is that doubt, and he will naturally want some conclusion for his future. "Whatever the outcome, he has more than played his part in our recent run of fixtures. Hopefully, we can come to some sort of agreement with him."

Youngsters Max Thompson, with the keeper on loan at Chesterfield, and Joe White, on loan at MK Dons, are also out of contract at the end of the campaign.