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Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett is understood to be close to announcing a new long-term deal with the Magpies.

The 24-year-old has impressed Rafa Benitez with the Toon boss admitting he offers the team more balance defensively.

Newcastle were keen to protect Dummett ahead of Euro 2016 and there are also rival clubs in the Premier League who are interested in taking the left-back on this summer.

And the defender’s form since returning to first team action looks set to win him a call-up to the Wales squad for Euro 2016.

Dummett is still contracted to Newcastle until 2017, but is set to earn an improved deal and an extended contract.

The defender has worked his way through the ranks at Newcastle and has now made 69 appearances for the first team.

And after recovering from a hamstring injury Dummett is now expected to be named in the Wales squad for the Euros with Chris Coleman always keeping the defender in mind throughout his lay-off.

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Earlier this season Dummett said: “I know I need to stay fit for Newcastle.

“I know if I am playing well for Newcastle I will play for Wales.

“I think we have a team that has good pace and it’s exciting.

“We have Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and the rest of the team works hard to win games.

“We have the extra quality.”