Regardless of any potential takeover, Newcastle have a large squad that needs cutting down to free up space for the quality additions Benitez craves this January.
Here’s a look at the players who may depart this winter and the reasons why they could be made available for sale:
Alexander Mitrovic
The popular Serbian has never really built on his early promise following his move from Anderlecht. It seems Rafa simply doesn’t rate his ability or feels he can trust him, perhaps due to temperament – which was exposed once again in his elbow on Manuel Lanzini earlier in the season. Playing Joselu, Perez and Gayle ahead of him means the writing is on the wall. I expect him to be sold if a decent offer comes in, with NUFC looking to re-coup as much of their initial outlay as they can.
Dwight Gayle
Dwight was clearly offered to clubs during the late hours of the summer window to raise funds and has not looked his usual self during the limited time Rafa has played him this season. Key to us going up last year, it appears the manager doesn’t think he has the ability to be our mains striker, takeover or not. He looked sharper against Bournemouth last week, but expect bids from ambitious Championship teams in January.
Chancel Mbemba
Like Mitrovic, arrived with promise and showed signs of quality but isn’t trusted by Benitez. Not featuring in the Championship much, he now only appears to play as an emergency left back and with Dummett returning and Clark ahead of him as reserve CB, his long term future at the club looks bleak.
Jack Colback
Colback is currently in exile and brutally relegated to the under 23 squad by Benitez. Playing fairly regularly in the Championship last year, his omission suggests a fall out with the manager. Form wise, he has dipped hugely since a solid first season with the club when he arrived and offers little to the side, expect a tendency to give needless fouls away and collect bookings.
Karl Darlow
Has been ousted by Elliott as our number 1 and with the prospect of Woodman behind him and Rafa clearly angling still for an experienced keeper, Darlow could head out the door. Linked with Reading and Middlesbrough in the summer, expect similar rumours to surface this time round.
Mo Diame
Diame just hasn’t quite delivered at NUFC. An explosive player I enjoyed watching at Wigan in former years, Mo seems to have lost a yard of pace and doesn’t provide enough threat to play off the striker anymore. Merino, Shelvey and Hayden seem to have the deeper roles in the middle of park locked down so Diame could very well depart; Cardiff City have been linked so far.
Henri Saivet
The forgotten man and a total flop since arriving at the club. The defensive midfielder just hasn’t settled and is likely to be on high wages. He’s restated his desire to fight his way back into Rafa’s plans, and does seem to have a decent attitude, but it’s probably best for all parties that the former Bordeaux man finds himself a new side this winter.
Jesus Gamez
Gamez is a good professional and after finally getting fit, filled in well at LB away at Swansea. I thought he looked excellent and it would signal a run in the side finally for the Spaniard. However, Rafa even then put Mbemba there instead, Manquillo returned and with Dummett fit again, he again looks set to miss out. With his contract running out at the end of the season, an early free transfer back to Spain may be back on the cards.
Rolando Aarons (loan)
He played in the Checkatrade cup at Oldham this week which shows his will to impress Benitez, but also how far his stock as fallen. Aarons has talent, as shown with his great goal against Forest in the league cup, but itness issues have held him back and you get the feeling he is at make or break now at NUFC. Rafa may loan him out to a Championship side to get a good look at him in competitive action.
Freddie Woodman (loan)
Like Aarons, a loan move may be essential for his development. A star of the U-20 world cup, Woodman seems itching to play and rated highly on Tyneside. A temporary home in the Championship or league one could do him the world of good.
Who would you sell to raise funds to invest in the squad? And is there anyone here you’d be determined to keep a hold of?
Cheers simon, of the ones you list I would be sad to see Mitro , Mbemba and Woodman go.
Mitro is still young and Rafa obviously doesn’t trust him and to be fair he’s not given him much reason to. However I still think he should be given a chance before casting him aside.
Mbemba looked good before we were relegated and though had slipped off deserves another chance I feel. Reports stated he wasn’t a good trainer, something Rafa seems to set great store by.
Woodman is a future star, loan maybe but defo not a sale for me.
The other one which really disappoints is Aarons, I know he has had a lot of injuries but I’m not even sure he’s injured at the mo, anyone know? Maybe Rafa doesn’t rate him either.
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM Mitro scored today against China,thing is imo Rafa sees him everyday in training is he not putting in the work or listening to what he’s been told or whatever it is,I know he doesn’t trust him,better to finish the game with 11 players on the pitch he’s always a big risk,we have to trust in Rafa Ime afraid imo
Icedog(Quote)
I think I disagree with Stewie Thatcher on just about every level. He talks morals, but doesn’t get that there are degrees of morals. If I slap a child on the wrist for being naughty that is one thing, hitting my wife with a closed hand is another. Stealing a mars bar from the corner shop is not the moral equivalent of Donald Trump cheating on his taxes to the tune of billions of dollars.
I know you will be bored with conversation Sham. But it is the International Break.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think I disagree with Stewie Thatcher on just about everything! Apart from some NUFC things, but not that many of them even!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I just don’t see how an otherwise seemingly bright and intelligent man can be so blinded and blinkered by his politics that he cannot see what is in front of his face.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
11. Let’s turn it up to 11. How about getting rid of Beardsley?
12. Lee Ryder?
13. “The Legend” Mick Quinn?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
14. The reserves. Maybe Keegan was right. None seem to be making it to the first team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think the Chronic editors might read blogs. They have stopped calling Mick Quinn a “Legend”.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
OK. So a few years ago I was working for a company and we had a very good year. I ended up paying taxes of $65,000. My boss paid zero because he took advantage of a tax scam. Is that right? He drove on the same roads as I did. The streets were lit by the same lamps. The government still bought the same air craft carriers although I paid for them and he didn’t.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
How is it possible that Southgate thinks Livermore gives England more than Shelvey? Jesus – Colback would offer more than Livermore!
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – Jesus is Spanish mate ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Jewish.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Mitrovic can go for me. I understand Kim being undecided, but I think he’s had enough chances now. If he doesn’t get that he’s at a club where he can grow providing he knuckles down, then get rid.
I think of the list Mbemba is the only one I think we should be keeping. The fact that he’s as young as he is and can cover LB, RB and CB all pretty competently is key for me.
I think Darlow and Sels can be sold to make way for Woodman for me. Though Rafa has been keen on a new keeper as well, so maybe a loan works best.
For me Aarons HAS to go out on loan in Jan if he wants any future. He’s getting no first team football, and what little I’ve seen of him I think he’s better than reserve team football (when not injured that is)
The rest will not be missed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Blimey, Eric, you’re talking about something that’s illegal and something that isn’t with your hitting analogy.
Stuart79(Quote)
Loftus – Cheek playing very well. Pretty much guaranteed he won’t play in the next game or go to the WC though.
Stuart79(Quote)
I like Lotus-Cheek mind, he’s a really good attacking midfielder – the no.10 we could desperately do with.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well that had the feel of a Remembrance Sunday exhibition game more than a competitive international match
Sharpy17(Quote)
liverpoor
How , why even.
giving out caps in cornflake packs now I reckon.
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice, I just wanna see him get one or two more chances really, if he ballses up i’ll be the first to say get rid.
kimtoon(Quote)
wonder if we could do a cash and mitro swap for that touson geezer
kimtoon(Quote)
Livermore, Cork,Gomez **** never international players,Cheek best player on the park mind that German c/h is some player
Icedog(Quote)
tosun even
kimtoon(Quote)
kimtoon(Quote)
pickford and loftus cheek best players
kimtoon(Quote)
That would be real nice mate
Icedog(Quote)
Spot on mate,Pickford is very very good for a young lad
Icedog(Quote)
It is a real equivalency. Most of what you spout is false equivalency. Trump not paying his taxes is fraud when he takes the moral high ground that is also fraud against the people.
I have said it earlier on here that the tax rate for capital gains is 15% here in the
US is 15%. Some of these people want to pay no tax like they don’t drive on roads or go and visit National Parks.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am serious about this. The same people who wave the stars and stripes are the ones that shift all of their money offshore to save 2%. I am sure Stewie Thatcher would do the same thing.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It is absolute hypocrisy to run around Monaco draped in a Union Jack and then actually move to Monaco only for tax reasons.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Apple just moved $225 billion from Ireland to Jersey for tax reasons. They had the money in Ireland to begin with for tax reasons. Pay your taxes where you make your money! And if they are too high then work to make them lower. Don’t just skip out on your responsibilities.
Isn’t there an ongoing tax case of the UK government against Google for not paying any taxes.
In 2008-9, GE, one of the largest companies in the world, paid no taxes because of loopholes.
But Stewie T defends them. Implicitly anyway ( he might say that he never said anything explicitly).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, The uk has done a deal with google over the tax issue. Is it a darling deal or something ? Anyway upshot is that they don’t pay all they owe I think.
kimtoon(Quote)
I shouldn’t get worked up about this sort of stuff. What it is is that I have seen so many rich folks in Chicago scam the system and I am a bit fed up with them then wrapping themselves in the American flag and being all patriotic.
Stewie T just epitomizes this sort of attitude. That you should get away with what you can get away with regardless of whether it is right or wrong.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
loopholes Eric, loopholes. Fix them and problem solved. Question is , is there the real will to do it.
kimtoon(Quote)
Anyway back to footy and England. Thought it was an ok display, bit boring but a couple of highlights in that Loftus cheek looked good and Pickford is better than hart, then that’s not hard really is it. Nice to see Tammy get a start too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Of course not. The whole Brexit campaign was fog to stop the EU from trying to fix the loopholes.
Premandup(Quote)
Yes, back to football 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Football? Sorry Eric, I thought this was your personal rant site
Premandup(Quote)
🙂
Nobody else comes on though. It is almost like Worky Ticket’s site.
Troy doesn’t even come on now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Taxes, Rooney and Arry are what annoy me.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Nobody is on here mate. A rant is better than nothing.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Haven’t seen Rodz for yonks either
Premandup(Quote)
Depends if you want all your leading businesses to up and leave – and take people’s jobs with them.
It is a balancing act.
shamrock(Quote)
or blackmail, depends how you see it I suppose
kimtoon(Quote)
and the ***** brothers club 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
right, off out so a load of strangers can view my house with the agent. wish I had hidden microphones, would love to be a fly on the wall.
kimtoon(Quote)
Idealism is a lovely thing to aspire to – but it is not reality. The world is a selfish place. You have to offer incentive if you want something from somebody. Everything is about give and take to some degree. There will be the odd exception of course but generally it is compromise that gets results.
shamrock(Quote)
Well I came home to an unlocked front door !!! well done estate agent.
Had I been robbed I couldn’t of claimed as door wasn’t locked. And this after I explicitly told them to lock it with the key and left a note on the bloody door too.
kimtoon(Quote)
That takes the P Kim. I would not be happy. They owe you a big apology for not respecting your home and leaving you open to burglary.
shamrock(Quote)
Bloody shocking that mate,hope you spoke to manager about it
Icedog(Quote)
Lads I rang up and went on a full rant, told them to stuff the contract. Later on the lass that did the viewing turned up with my key. She was sure she locked it, I said she definitely didn’t, it’s my word against hers. Her boss has obviously told her to deny it, you would wouldn’t you. She ‘s asked me not to take it out on the company as it’s down to her but she’s certain she locked it !!
They are shut today, let’s see what happens tomorrow and if I get a call. Trouble is the bungalow I’m buying is on their books, so I would still have to deal with them even if I went with someone else plus I would have to give them some cash as well as any new selling agent I went with should I sell.
Swear to god I will never move again after this.
kimtoon(Quote)
I told her she couldn’t of done it to a worse person as I have a serious ocd about locking doors. This was my one big fear and it had to bloody happen to me.
Parents should of christened me lucky. 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – if I could. What the woman did was unprofessional & careless. However, you don’t know what’s she’s got going on in her life at the moment that may be causing such a distraction – there may be absolutely nothing and she is just a careless nitwit. But she brought the keys back in person and faced the music, knowing she was in for your wrath & frustration.
You say lucky, but you weren’t burgled which was certainly fortunate and means it could have been worse.
If you have to deal with the agents to buy your new house any way, you may find kicking up a stink at this stage only comes back to bite you on the ****. They could play silly buggers with the complaining lady and make it drag out a lot longer that needs be. However show some understanding now and they may deal with you more favourably to make up for the **** up.
If she’s cocked up coz of stresses and strains of an ill loved one for example then you have done a kind thing letting a human error slide.
If she’s just **** at her job, well the time to voice that is after the deal has gone through and you’ve finished your business with them ?.
You are very welcome for the unwanted advice ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
*** Rumours on Twitter based on a news piece ***
Amanda Staveley and PCP Partners are rumored to have agreed to the takeover of the English Premier League club Newcastle United for £300 million from owner Mike Ashley according to Semuanyabola an Indonese outlet
#NUFC
Paul
Hope and hope it’s true
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – I was hoping with the lack of all things football at SJP during this international break, that there may be some progress on the business front.
I expected Ashley to hold out for closer to £350m, but he may realise that interest like this may not come along again for years.
Mind you, I will wait for an official announcement coz this is still Ashley after all.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lets hope so Ice. See the Chronicle are saying not that far down the line, but lets hope just coz they havent broke the story
Simon(Quote)
Let’s be honest what the hell would the Chronicle know anyway,they are a copy and paste outfit at best’as Sharpy says this jabba we are dealing with anything can happen
Icedog(Quote)
Would be nice if it was that far down the line. Rafa needs money from somewhere in Jan. Watching the football last weekend I thought of Rafa. Chelsea v ManU and Spurs & Man City. Rafa wouldn’t be able to afford any of the players involved and even if he could none of them would come. Makes me wonder why I’m still interested.
georgio(Quote)
Maybe oral agreement has been reached with formal bid to submit? I suspect there is something behind the news from Indonesia. Maybe Staveley’s company has some major investors in Indonesia, and therefore get the news before everybody else? Otherwise what the hell Indonesia newspaper care about Newcastle takeover? Or maybe I am just too wishy washy.
funrafa(Quote)
Sharpy, she had to bring the key back, I told her to, they were meant to keep it for Tuesday and Wednesday viewings. She posted it through the letter box but I caught her before she got to the end of the street. It’s human to err of course and I do understand but she didn’t admit she did it which pissed me off . It could of been very costly I was lucky it wasn’t. It was jammed yesterday too loads around my street due to the fair top of the road. There have been some break in’s here too, so all in all I dodged a bullet. I have to stay with them due to bungalow purchase really, it’s the final straw in a list of things they have done to bug me over last couple of weeks. I will see if I get a call tomorrow from the manager, I heard nothing yesterday from him, **** company and I wouldn’t trust them as far as I can throw them.
kimtoon(Quote)
Re the newspaper gossip on pcp offer, I would take a huge pinch of salt with that.
kimtoon(Quote)
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/659491/Newcastle-EXCLUSIVE-Amanda-Staveley-takeover-confirmed-this-week/amp
If this is true – which I doubt – I imagine it would only be an announcement that a deal has been agreed and the process of finalising it will now begin. But why that would happen God only knows.
It’s halfway in the bin this report…
Stuart79(Quote)
so Rolando scored for the u21’s on Tuesday night, obviously not injured then. Wonder if he’ll get the nod for Manure game.
kimtoon(Quote)
Imo he has to Atu injured Murphy much to light
Icedog(Quote)
All the rags jumping on this take over talk,is there smoke and no fire,just don’t know on this one
was the first to put it on blog hope I don’t get the blame if it’s false
Icedog(Quote)
Nobody would blame you Ice, think we just all hope you are the first to let us know about the best news in a long time. If it doesnt happen yet, we can just hope does soon
Simon(Quote)
Hope so mate,I would never put false **** on this blog
Icedog(Quote)
Ice looks like a few papers are now saying deal to be done this week and no denials yet. Let’s just hope eh
Simon(Quote)
Nice to beat the papers lol
Icedog(Quote)
Ice,I’d trust your source over any rag mate.
kimtoon(Quote)
Thank you I try my best but Ime only as good as my contact and he’s not always right but it’s right when he hears it if it changes I cannot blame him he doesn’t make final decisions
Icedog(Quote)
Ice, l think your source have a very good track record. Hope he is right again this time. If not, of course I don’t blame you or him. No body can guarantee 100%.
funrafa(Quote)
If it happens mate talk round the club is Rafa wants both Tosun and Ings from L/pool and a list of three m/f players to chose from don’t know names like
Icedog(Quote)
It makes perfect sense to me 🙂
funrafa(Quote)
just heard from one of lews carer’s that we are linked with Torres!, that’s not one I was expecting. Not sure about that at all like.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – yeah Torres has told A. Madrid he’s going out on loan when Costa arrives coz he knows he won’t get a game. His agent has apparently been on to us and Saints about a loan deal – could be just paper talk but Rafa has the Lpool connection and the Saints manager was Rafas assistant at Lpool.
Can’t say I’d welcome a well passed his best Torres like.
I’d be made up with Tosun permanent and Ings on loan. If we could get Praet in aswell then good times.
Sharpy17(Quote)