Newcastle United could be set for an unexpected reunion with left-back Jamal Lewis with Sao Paulo ready to end his loan deal early.

The Northern Ireland international has played just six matches in Brazil's Serie A but picked up an ankle injury back in October. It is looking likely to mean surgery for Lewis with Sao Paulo preparing to activate a clause that will see him returned to the Magpies.

Sao Paulo sporting director Carlos Belmonte said to UOL: “Jamal might not be (a Sao Paulo player soon). We have a clause in his contract – Newcastle could call him up at the start of the season, and we could return him. Our relationship with Newcastle is exceptional.

READ MORE: One Newcastle United transfer could unlock January window as pressure begins to build

READ MORE: Eddie Howe sees 'great signs' for popular £132m Newcastle United plan to continue into the future

“He’s got an ankle problem and we’re making an assessment. It’s already been agreed with Newcastle (that) if he has to have surgery, he’ll go back for the surgery and the recovery process in England.”

The Luton-born 26-year-old has less than a season on his Newcastle contract and should an ankle injury rule him out for the rest of the current season in Brazil, which ends this month, his time in South America could be over.

Lewis spent last season on loan at Watford but the Hornets opted against an clause to buy the left-back. Lewis said before heading to Brazil: "I've spoken to the manager [Howe], and I'm in my last year and I've done a season-long loan, so that kind of has the writing on the wall."

Newcastle beat Liverpool to Lewis' signature in 2020 but he has made just 24 Premier League starts. He made a late window loan move to Brazil back in autumn.