NEWCASTLE UNITED have triggered a one-year contract extension for Jamaal Lascelles, with Eddie Howe hoping the Magpies skipper will still be a key part of the squad next season.

Lascelles’ original contract was due to expire this summer, with Turkish side Besiktas having made an unsuccessful attempt to sign him during the January transfer window.

The deal contained a clause enabling Newcastle officials to trigger a 12-month extension though, and that has now happened, meaning the 30-year-old is now contracted to the Magpies to the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

There could still be external interest in securing his services in the summer, but with Lascelles having made 24 senior appearances this summer, Howe is adamant the centre-half remains as influential as ever, both on and off the pitch.

“I hope he’s here next year,” said the Magpies boss, whose side return to action when they head to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea on Monday night. “He’s done incredibly well, both as a leader and captain of the group, but also a player.

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“I think his game has really developed, and he’s played an important part in the season. When he’s played, I think he’s been excellent.

“Of course there is good competition for places in that area now, with everybody fit, but he’s an integral part of what we’re doing. In regards to his contract situation, it’s not unclear in my mind – he has a contract for next year.”

With Lascelles tied up for another 12 months, Newcastle now have four players who are due to come to the end of their current contracts in the summer.

Goalkeeping duo Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie are due to become free agents at the end of the campaign, along with defender Paul Dummett and versatile veteran Matt Ritchie. At this stage, there is a good chance that all four will be leaving Tyneside.