Forgotten Newcastle defender could be forced to train with the under-21s if he doesn’t leave

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Newcastle United are already contemplating selling three players this summer, including Jamal Lewis, as Eddie Howe trims his squad.

Newcastle have been busy trying to offload some fringe players this summer, with Jeff Hendrick already departing the club at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Now, the club have turned their attention to other players who have rarely featured for the Magpies.

Releasing or selling players on the fringes of the side will allow Newcastle further wiggle room in the transfer market. Unfortunately, some players are on lengthy contracts and high wages, making any departure from the club more difficult.

One player Newcastle hope to offload this summer is Lewis, who has made just 36 appearances in his four year stint with the Magpies so far, according to the Athletic.

The report claims that Newcastle may even demote Lewis away from the first-team if he hasn’t left the club quickly, such is their desire for a transfer.

Newcastle attempting to sell Jamal Lewis this summer

Lewis moved to St James’ Park in 2020, and there was some real excitement that the left-back could kick on at Newcastle. It’s safe to say the Northern Ireland international hasn’t had the best of times on Tyneside.

A series of injuries left the defender falling down the pecking order. With the club takeover confirmed in October 2021 and the January transfer window around the corner, it was evident Lewis would find it difficult to break his way into the side.

Dan Burn’s arrival and impressive performances left Lewis in the shadows. The left-back was loaned out to Championship side Watford last season, where he made 38 appearances for the club in all competitions. Shockingly, that is two more than he has made in his entire Newcastle career.

It is abundantly clear that Lewis needs a fresh start at a club that can guarantee him regular minutes, and with Newcastle going from strength to strength under Howe, Lewis’ career on Tyneside appears to have passed him by.

Further departures are expected at Newcastle

Lewis is not the only player surplus to requirements at St James’ Park. Ryan Fraser, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, is expected to make the move permanent.

Meanwhile, Isaac Hayden is still available, having had two loan spells last season with Belgium side Standard Liege and a stint in the Championship with QPR.

As it stands all three are due to return to training soon, but it could be that they are kept away from the first-team group when they do so, as Howe leaves them in no doubt that they do not have a future at St. James’ Park.