NEWCASTLE United have kicked off pre-season with a double contract boost, with Loris Karius and Paul Dummett agreeing new deals at St James' Park.

The pair have both put pen to paper on 12-month extensions, keeping them at the club until next summer.

They follow in the footsteps of Matt Ritchie and Mark Gillespie, who both signed new deals with the Magpies earlier this summer. At that stage Karius and Dummett were considering their options, but after further negotiations the pair have agreed to stay on.

Dummett didn't play a single Premier League game last season but is seen as a crucial member of the dressing room by boss Eddie Howe. He's Newcastle's longest serving player, having made his first team debut a decade ago.

Karius, meanwhile, had offers from clubs in Italy this summer but has opted to stay on Tyneside. His only appearance last season came in the Carabao Cup final in February.

READ MORE:

With Karl Darlow expected to leave St James' Park this summer, Howe didn't want to lose a second keeper and was keen to keep Karius.

Middlesbrough were interested in Darlow but turned their transfer attention elsewhere and landed two goalkeepers last week. Hull City have also given up hope of re-signing Darlow after his successful loan spell last season.

Bournemouth are currently favourites to land the 32-year-old, though Leeds United are also keen.