Newcastle are considering whether or not to loan out Freddie Woodman and Elliot Anderson now that the January transfer window is open.
The Chronicle report that the Magpies are delaying a decision until after this Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash with Cambridge.
That indicates both players could be involved and that Eddie Howe may well rotate his squad for the game.
Survival is the main aim this season, although the supporters would like to see the club take the cups more seriously after the takeover.
Newcastle should really be able to see off Cambridge at home regardless of the team they put out and Howe might get a chance to hand gametime to players who really need it.
The report says Woodman falls into that category, having fallen down the goalkeeping pecking order at St James’ Park.
They claim he is desperate for a January loan exit to get the time on the pitch he does not currently look likely to get at Newcastle.
Anderson is probably the most promising prospect in the academy right now and the fans would love to see someone come through the ranks and make the grade in the first team.
Unfortunately, a relegation battle is not the best to throw in a youngster and the more sensible course of action may be to send him on loan.
That would give him a taste of senior men’s football where the results matter and give him the grounding to make a move into Newcastle’s first team next season.
That is especially pertinent if Newcastle follow up the signing of Kieran Trippier with experienced, big-money players in his position, further clogging up the route to the first team.
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