Lee Ryder has told The Chronicle that new contracts for Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey are "done".

What did he say?

The Newcastle reporter was taking part in a Q&A with the north-east outlet, and one of the questions he was asked was whether deals for the two were completed.

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He responded by saying: "As far as we’re concerned they are done subject to official announcements."

Brilliant news

This is fantastic news for Newcastle. Both have been brilliant purchases for the Tyneside outfit.

Ritchie, for a start, has been a regular for the club ever since he made the switch from Bournemouth in 2016. In each of his full three campaigns to date in the north-east, he has started at least 32 matches, and he would have a lot more than the five he has managed this term if it weren't for an injury that has kept him out of the action for a considerable amount of time. Last term, he managed eight assists in the Premier League - he has real creative ability.

Shelvey is another who, despite struggling with injury this term, has proven his worth to Newcastle. This season, he is the team's top goalscorer - albeit with just five strikes. With 1.8 key passes per match in the top flight this campaign, he is a vital cog in the side, especially going forward.

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With 12 matches left to play and seven points between them and the relegation zone, Steve Bruce will be confident that he can keep the Magpies in the top tier, and this news will likely be a boost to those aspirations.

In the summer, though, they need to build on the players who have decided to stick around, despite the distinct lack of positive football - they have scored just 24 goals in 26 matches so far.

Meanwhile, Salomon Rondon gives his verdict on his Newcastle stay.