NUFC star set to trigger one-year contract clause this week to keep him on Tyneside until 2024?

Back in July, an injured Jonjo Shelvey revealed in an interview that he was just a couple of appearances away from a new contract at Newcastle United.

Speaking to The Mail's Craig Hope, he confirmed that a one-year contract extension will be activated once he's played three games this season.

At the time, he was sidelined by a serious hamstring injury picked up over pre-season, however he's now played two of the three games needed after coming on from the bench in recent wins over Tottenham and Aston Villa.

With Joelinton suspended for Sunday's trip to Southampton, the 30-year-old may even start his first game of the season this weekend. Either way, his current deal - which is due to expire at the end of the season - will be extended until the summer of 2024 if and when he features at St Mary's.

Here's a reminder of what he said over the summer, confirming he was just three appearances away from triggering a contract clause that could keep him on Tyneside for at least another 18 months:

“I’ve got three games to get another year, and hopefully, I should do that this season. I mean, I’d be a bit worried if I didn’t!

“At the end of the day you’re always playing for a new contract, and I’m not thick, I’m not getting younger. I’m 30 years of age – and I look about 40! You just want to be part of it. The only way for this club is up – and a lot of people would want to be in my shoes.

“Positivity’s great around the club. We went through a really bad spell. I’ve been six-and-a-half years now, we know what the craic is around the city – and what you can and can’t do.

“It’s a really good place to be at the minute, the city is buzzing. My missus and kids love it up here.”