Newcastle United stars are back for pre-season and a number of Eddie Howe's senior group are facing a big couple of months where their futures are concerned. Gateshead will provide the Magpies with their first pre-season test this weekend before a clash with Scottish giants Rangers for Allan McGregor's testimonial next Tuesday.
The most important set of games come later this month, however, when Howe takes the bulk of his first-team and a select few youngsters to the United States for the inaugural Premier League Summer Series tournament. Newcastle will take on Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brighton in three different states as the top flight stars are put through their paces.
Howe spoke in depth last summer about the importance of these pre-season trips and this time around will be no different. The Newcastle boss will be watching closely to see which stars are in his immediate plans and which may be heading for the door.
