£70m player being offered new contract, after being linked with Newcastle move

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Newcastle United made a big decision during the summer transfer window.

Despite a raft of links with many midfielders, Newcastle eventually made Sandro Tonali their big summer signing.

To say that hasn’t gone to plan would be an understatement. While there have been some promising flashes, there were questions as to whether or not the Italian could play alongside Bruno Guimaraes even before his ten month ban from football.

Now, Eddie Howe has been left short in midfield, a situation made all the more jarring by reports highlighting the players the club could have signed before Tonali.

Indeed, the Evening Standard have previously claimed Crystal Palace and England midfielder Eberechi Eze was of interest.

Now, however, Palace could be about to secure his long-term future.

Eberechi Eze: Newcastle target now close to new contract

Speaking on Thursday, Roy Hodgson confirmed the club were working on extending the £70m-rated player’s long-term future at Selhurst Park.

“I believe the club are working very hard with Eberechi Eze,” he told BBC Sport.

“They are very confident it won’t be too long before they can announce him as well,” the Eagles manager added.

“These matters are taken care of by [chairman] Steve Parish and [sporting director] Dougie Freedman, they keep me informed.

“But certainly, they are optimistic it won’t take too long to get Eze to commit his future as well.”

Eberechi Eze to Newcastle: Transfer seems further away than ever

Obviously, a player can still leave a club after signing a new contract.

Still, should he extend the deal currently due to expire in 2025, Palace would have strengthened their bargaining position.

Should that be the case, they could stand firm on their £70m valuation and perhaps even raise it, leaving Newcastle in a difficult position.

At some point, Tonali will return. That raises the question as to whether or not the club should spend huge money on a replacement, only to have the Italy international back in under a year.

With FFP constraints looming, that may not be the best use of funds.