Toon trio could be axed to make room for new signings & Howe eyeing Rangers star - Report

Eddie Howe is prepared to cut Ciaran Clark, Dwight Gayle and Jeff Hendrick from his 25-man squad to make way for new January arrivals, according to new reports.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs claims that our new manager is willing to be ruthless and wield the axe on several fringe players deemed not good enough for his first-team squad.

The report claims that all three players are expected to leave this month rather than linger around our Benton base like a bad smell, with Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos also said to be a target.

A deal for the Colombian striker - who has 13 goals to his name this season - would cost around £20million and comes at a time when we are in desperate need for a striker following a calf injury to Callum Wilson.

Everton and Leicester are also credited with an interest in the 25-year-old; who was linked with a move to Tyneside during Steve Bruce's spell in charge.

I don’t think many Toon fans will be too upset to see the aforementioned trio leave the club. All three are no longer good enough for the Premier League, not to mention the fact their departures could allow for more quality additions like Kieran Trippier.

Clark and Gayle have served us well, playing a key part in our promotion back to the top flight under Rafa Benitez, but it may suit all parties if both they and Hendrick were moved on this month.