Who could leave Newcastle before looming PSR deadline? - Assessing 13 options
What a mess. We don't know all of the ins and outs, but it's been widely reported from just about every reputable outlet that Newcastle have to sell someone before the close of play tomorrow.
Who knows what happens in next 24 hours, but here's a few thoughts on who may or may not leave and the reported state of play, as all options appear to be on the table if the club are determined to avoid a PSR breach and potential points deduction:
Yankuba Minteh - He seems to want Premier League move and Brighton are said to be leading race, but want no buy-back clause in any deal. Everton talks seem tricky based on them asking far too much for Calvert-Lewin to head in the opposite direction and they're no longer desperate to sell. Minteh reportedly not keen on Lyon, despite them offering good money. Roma and Borussia Dortmund links have gone quiet.
Elliot Anderson - Offered to Wolves and Nottingham Forest over the past week. Talented young player and a possible victim of this mess, but we have real depth on the left side of our midfield with Joelinton and Joe Willock. Question is, would he turn down move away and are Premier League clubs actually keen?
Sean Longstaff - Leicester have been linked and are about to lose Dewsbury-Hall. Wishful thinking but we do have Tonali and Miley as right-sided midfielders. He's also out of contract next summer and can be sold for 'pure profit'.
Isak / Gordon - Talk of them leaving should be an absolute non-starter. No idea what's going on there but it's a mess that major outlets are reporting on talks with Chelsea and Liverpool.
Kieran Trippier - Currently at the Euros. Highly doubt he leaves in next 24 hours, but wouldn't be shocked if he did leave in July or August based on January rumours, age and dip in form.
Miguel Almiron - At Copa America and seems reluctant to join a Saudi club base on January defiance. Clearly not a quick fix and doubt there's many takers.
Callum Wilson - Clear we're planning to sell him and it feels like his time to go (12 months left on his deal and 32 now). West Ham and Saudi clubs keen, but unclear if we can secure a quick sale when we preferred to sign his replacement before allowing him to leave.
Joe Willock - Would appeal to plenty Premier League clubs if part-exchange was proposed. Far from ideal, but we have plenty options down our left as mentioned earlier in the piece. Injuries last season are a concern but he can be a big player when fit and is valued highly by Eddie Howe.
Matt Targett - On big money and was injured for so much of last season. Could do a job at bottom half Premier League side but clubs won't be in a rush to sign him based on his current contract and last season's lack of minutes. Jamal Lewis is in a similar predicament and didin't convince Watford to sign him permanently after a loan spell last season.
Ryan Fraser - Expected to join Southampton but have been told fee is next to nothing. Cuts wage bill but this offers minimal benefit to current PSR situation. Same applies to releasing Isaac Hayden from his contract.
Martin Dubravka - Set to start at the Euros tomorrow night and will be focused on that. He'll go this summer but not before the June 30 deadline. Even if he does leave, we'll raise limited funds from a 35-year-old out of contract in 12 months time.
Alex Murphy - Has impressed since arriving from Ireland and is on the fringes of the first-team now, but the fees involved to sell him would be minimal at this stage.
How has it come to this? What a mess and another reminder that PSR is a complete and utter car crash.
