Newcastle United facing decision time on long-serving defender

Dummett – who has returned to the starting XI after recovering from the hamstring problems which sidelined him for much of last year – signed his deal in early 2018 when Rafa Benitez was manager.

The club announced at the time that the defender’s contract “could run to the summer of 2022”. However, 29-year-old Dummett’s contract will expire at the end of this season – unless Newcastle activate an additional year.

And relegation-threatened United must now decide whether Dummett, one of the first names on Benitez’s teamsheet during his time at the club, has a future at St James’s Park beyond this season.

Asked about Dummett’s contractual situation ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League home game against Tottenham Hotspur, head coach Steve Bruce said: "I believe we have an option to extend his contract next year, so I believe."

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