Benitez to hand new deals to NUFC duo?

News from The Northern Echo today claims that Rafa Benitez is keen to hand Vurnon Anita and Yoan Gouffran new deals to keep them at the club - should it make financial sense. The pair are yet to sign new contracts at the club and had looked set to seek pastures new when their current deals run out in the summer.

Recent reports in The Chronicle claimed that preliminary talks had taken place between Anita and PSV, with Gouffran speaking to Lille, to plan their next move ahead of life after Newcastle United.

Despite both featuring heavily this season, with a combined 63 appearances between them, news of the pair gaining potential new deals may come as a surprise to fans.

Their efforts this season have been appreciated, with Gouffran chipping in with 7 goals in all competitions, but it is widely accepted that both may need to be moved on, should we make the step up back to the Premier League.

Time will tell as to whether or not they are handed new deals at the club. Should we do the unthinkable and fail to gain promotion, they provide solid cover over a long season. Should Newcastle gain promotion however, i'd like to think we would move on to bigger and better players for the challenges ahead.