Newcastle United are set to hold contract talks over the future of Fabian Schar. The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season having agreed a one-year extension last term.
This has come off the back of Schar's recent up-turn in form, where he has helped the Magpies to five victories in their last six matches, scoring in the 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. His partnership with Dan Burn has been vital as Newcastle have moved out of the relegation zone and up to 14th in the Premier League table.
The Swiss international has featured in all but one of the Magpies' league games since Eddie Howe was appointed in November after being frozen out by Steve Bruce. Ironically, the only match Schar didn't start was the 4-0 home defeat against Manchester City.
There's no doubt his impact has been vital in recent weeks and would be a miss if Newcastle decide to leave him leave in the summer. In the meantime, Chronicle Live has taken a look at five alternatives the Magpies could target should Schar depart St James' Park.
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Mason Holgate - Everton
The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in the Everton side following Frank Lampard's appointment as the club's new manager on deadline day. He has started the Toffees last five Premier League games in a back-four alongside Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny.
After falling out of favour under Rafael Benitez, Holgate seems to be enjoying and playing his best football with Lampard at the helm and could be an astute addition for the Magpies. However, he still has over three years left on his current contract and Everton might be keen to keep him at Goodison Park.
Omar Alderete - Valencia
A talented Paraguayan centre-back, this could be Newcastle United's perfect replacement for Schar. As per Macro Football, Alderete has similar attributes and is statistically alike this season.
Alderete, who is currently on loan at Valencia from Hertha Berlin, has scored twice in 25 matches this term, helping his side to the Copa Del Rey final. The 25-year-old is comfortable on the ball, strong in the air and has the potential to quickly adapt to life in the Premier League.
James Tarkowski - Burnley
With his contract set to run out in the summer, Tarkowski could be someone who Newcastle should target. The no-nonsense defender has been an integral member of the Burnley squad since their promotion in 2017, featuring over 200 times in the top-flight.
Tarkowski was linked with a move to the Magpies in January but decided to stay with the Clarets until at least the end of the season. Having accumulated so much experience during his time at Turf Moor, the 28-year-old might be the ideal cheaper and safer option who can hit the ground running.
Erick Cabaco - Getafe
Cabaco is someone who might be relatively unknown to Newcastle supporters, having played his football for the last four years in La Liga. He is a ball-progressive centre-back who enjoyed success at Levante, before joining Levante in January 2020.
The Uruguayan defender has struggled with injuries this season, featuring just seven times in the league. However, he has demonstrated his qualities to play at the highest level and is a possible alternative should Schar leave the club.
Nathan Collins - Burnley
Another Burnley centre-back, Collins is the youngest name on this list at just 20-years-old and has got plenty of pedigree to become an established Premier League player. He has made 10 appearances for the Clarets since his move from Stoke City last summer.
Collins' current deal runs out in 2025 and could be a smart long-term option for the Magpies, rather than an immediate first-team regular who will need to start week-in-week out. Nevertheless, the Republic of Ireland international still has a promising future and could be a target for a number of sides if Burnley are relegated this season.
