Newcastle United announce new contracts for Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Ritchie as key midfield pair handed three-year deals

As reported in The Gazette last month, the pair had agreed new deals to remain at St. James’s with manager Steve Bruce keen to tie down his side’s key players. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka signed a new six-year deal back in November.

Meanwhile, talks are still ongoing regarding new deals for Sean and Matty Longstaff amid interest in the young midfielders from across Europe.

Shelvey made his return from a hamstring injury during the goalless draw against Burnley last Saturday. And despite his season being somewhat hampered by injury, the 28-year-old remains United’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with five goals to his name.

Ritchie has also had to endure an injury-hit campaign after being sidelined for four months with an ankle injury. But the former AFC Bournemouth wide-man has featured in each of the Magpies’ last six league matches following his return.

The 30-year-old has scored 22 times in 139 appearances since joining the club ahead of the 2016-17 Championship winning campaign

“It's obviously something that I wanted,” he told NUFC TV regarding his new deal.

“Since I came to the club, it's been a successful period and one that I want to continue being involved in. Hopefully, I can be part of the future.

“When you sign at a club, you want to go there and make an impact and if you can be part of that club moving forward for a long time, it's something that is nice.

“I moved around in my younger years on loan but to come somewhere and get settled and be part of the progress of the football club is great.”

On his new three-year contract, Shelvey said: “It feels like a home.

“The people here, ever since I came to the club, have made me feel so welcome.

“I've had some good times and some bad times here, but it's mainly good and it's just an enjoyable place to come in and work, and the city in general has been really good for me.”