Fabian Schar signs new contract as Newcastle tie down veteran defender as Eddie Howe's men chase down Champions League return

The 33-year-old was set to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign, but he has ensured his spell at St James' Park will last at least eight years after his extension was announced on Thursday.

The Switzerland international has been key to the heart of the Magpies' defence this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions - only two of those were off the bench. He helped Eddie Howe's team to a Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool last month and they are aiming to secure a place in next season's Champions League.

Schar was delighted to commit to a new deal with the English club, saying: "I'm buzzing to extend my stay here. It's been a very good few weeks for everybody at Newcastle United after winning the Carabao Cup and I'm really happy now to sign another contract with this amazing club. It's my seventh season here and everybody knows how happy I am at the club and how comfortable I feel in the city, so I'm really glad to be continuing that. "Now it's about looking forward and finishing the season as strong as possible."

Schar and Co. are currently fifth in the Premier League and on a three-game winning run. They will be confident of making it four in a row when they take on struggling Leicester on Monday.