Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The Magpies held a succession of positive meetings with the Brazil international, and he's put pen to paper on a deal that talkSPORT understands is four years.

The extension is a huge boost for boss Eddie Howe, who made it clear to the club that the midfielder was crucial to his plans.

Contract negotiations with Joelinton were not plain sailing for club chiefs, but he will become one of the Toon's highest earners.

Speaking to the club's website, he said: "I feel great. I feel very happy and my family is happy. A lot of things have happened in my years here. I've learnt a lot and grown a lot, and for me to come here to Newcastle was the best decision of my career.

"I love playing for the club. I love the club, I love the fans. We had a lot of discussions and I always wanted to be here. I'm glad to continue and I hope to have success in the years to come."

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Joelinton has been a key figure in the Howe era but persistent injury problems this season has left a hole in an already decimated Newcastle midfield.