Eddie Howe’s big dilemma is less than six weeks away. Deciding who makes his 25-man Premier League squad for the upcoming season will prove one of his toughest challenges as Newcastle United manager so far.
All 20 top-flight clubs must submit their squad for the upcoming campaign on September 2 - the day after the transfer window shuts. Admittedly, Howe’s job has been made easier by several surplus players being offloaded in recent weeks.
Dwight Gayle, Ciaran Clark and Jeff Hendrick joined Isaac Hayden and Freddie Woodman out the exit door - and others could follow. As it stands, 30 first-team players remain contracted and, with more arrivals expected, at least half a dozen will be omitted.
