**One of the things Ross Wilson has been tasked with doing at Newcastle United is to lower the average age of the squad, with so many of Eddie Howe's players nearing or already beyond the 30 mark.**
While turning 30 isn't the career death sentence it once was, it's still a useful line in the sand for when it's a good idea to start looking to replace someone.
Newcastle are looking at young players to sign in January, as revealed yesterday, but another way of lowering the average age of the squad is to move some players on.
One player in their thirties who is now being linked with a move away from Newcastle is centre-back Fabian Schar, according to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg.
> [](https://twitter.com/Plettigoal/status/1989357483509403654?s=20)
Fabian Schar is attracting interest from Germany
------------------------------------------------
There's interest in Fabian Schar from Germany, even though he had recently spoken about wanting to end his career at Newcastle and how he was open to a new contract, but he's since dropped behind Malick Thiaw in the pecking order, and Plettenberg now thinks that a new deal may not be forthcoming.
> "A winter move for Fabian Schär is possible, potentially to the Bundesliga as well. Enquiries have already been made for the 33 y/o experienced centre-back from Newcastle.
>
> "His contract with Newcastle runs until 2026. An extension of his contract is currently unlikely. #NUFC"
We love Fabian Schar but it could be the right time for him to move on
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fabian Schar is a hugely popular figure on Tyneside thanks to his many years of service and becoming a stalwart under Eddie Howe. He's scored some absolutely stunning goals for Newcastle, too.
We'd rather he stayed at the club, but we would also not begrudge him an exit. He's clearly lost his place in the first team to Thiaw, and he's too good to just sit on and watch from the bench, and we're sure he'll want to still be playing.
The 33-year-old would need to be replaced should he leave, though, and we can't imagine the club would sanction a winter departure without having a replacement already lined up.