Newcastle legend Malcom Macdonald is delighted seeing Joelinton sign a new contract.

Supermac wrote for ChronicleLive: "If a couple of years back anyone had told me that Joelinton would be offered a new long-term contract I would have laughed out loud. Then queried if the club knew what they were doing.

"As an old No 9 myself I honestly felt he was a flop. He looked the part - he stripped big with powerful shoulders and tall as a towerblock. But once he crossed the line he was timid and ineffective. But, brother, look at him now. I have never in all my time in football seen a transformation like his after completely switching positions.

"Big Joe looks like the perfect all-rounder in midfield. He is punching his weight at long last, he drives forward powerfully protecting the ball, and he uses it terrifically. The biggest compliment Joelinton has received is that he is good enough to play in the engine room for an international side like Brazil who always have good technicians.

"I cannot speak more highly of him and therefore the news that he has committed his future to Newcastle this week is as good as it gets. It sends a message out to top players like his mate Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon that there is a big fuuture ahead for Newcastle United."