Details of NUFC clear-out revealed in new report – 5 ‘expected’ to leave and 4 could join them

As reported by The Chronicle, Newcastle could move on as many as NINE players in the coming months as the club prepare for a summer overhaul.

Those ‘expected’ to leave include Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis, Dwight Gayle and Mark Gillespie while Miguel Almiron, Javier Manquillo, Isaac Hayden and Karl Darlow are named as four who could also be on their way out.

Matt Ritchie and Jeff Hendrick aren’t mentioned in the piece, but I’d be surprised if either feature in Eddie Howe’s plans moving forward, with the former way down the pecking order and the latter failing to impress during a loan spell with QPR.

With a proposed initial budget of around £60million being reported by The Telegraph, outgoings will help to generate additional funds – also creating space in Eddie Howe’s squad to allow for further arrivals.

While some fans may argue that we have more ‘deadwood’ to get rid of, the revamping of an entire team won’t happen overnight – meaning the likes of Sean Longstaff, Paul Dummett and Jacob Murphy may be utilised as back-up options from the bench next season.

Howe recently reminded fans that it’ll be a “evolution, not a revolution” on Tyneside, but our squad is in dire need of an overhaul – featuring too many players who are either ageing, not good enough or approaching the end of their contracts.