Newcastle are now into their first transfer window since the takeover as they look to emerge with a squad capable of survival.
Incomings will dominate the headlines and get fans excited but just as important are the players Eddie Howe gets out of the club.
Here is a look at three players it might be a good idea to offload; ideally before the end of the month but definitely by the end of the year…
Ciaran Clark
Clark has been the emblem of Newcastle’s defensive struggles this season, especially under Howe.
He looks nervous with the demands to play out from the back and has made individual errors which have cost them, most notable against Norwich and Manchester City.
A new central defender has to be the order of the day this month and Clark’s place in the side looks vulnerable.
Newcastle have to move on from the Irishman and set their sights higher.
Jeff Hendrick
Hendrick was signed by Steve Bruce, presumably with the intention of adding some proven Premier League experience to Newcastle’s midfield.
Howe has preferred other options in the engine room, and has reinvented Joelinton as a midfielder ahead of Hendrick in that area of the pitch.
His arrival was a symbol of the club’s drift under Bruce and the Republic of Irishman has done little to change the early perceptions when he signed.
Midfield is another area Newcastle need to improve and it would be no surprise to see a new man come in there, potentially taking Hendrick’s spot in the squad.
Dwight Gayle
Perhaps unfairly, Gayle has now been characterised as a great Championship player but not good enough for the top flight.
It could be argued that he has not been given enough opportunities by Newcastle, especially when Callum Wilson has been out but even dating back towards the end of Rafa Benitez’s reign.
It did not make that much sense that he recently signed a new contract but perhaps that was to preserve his transfer value when he eventually does go.
Gayle deserves the opportunity to go somewhere and play regular football before the end of 2022.
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