Just over two weeks remain in the summer transfer market as Newcastle United look to conclude late business, both in terms of incoming and outgoing players. It's been a busy window on Tyneside with three new additions as Eddie Howe and the Saudi ownership look to strengthen the Magpies with big-name talent.
In terms of outgoings, Newcastle have only managed to shift a few fringe players off their books this summer. Squad members who either spent last season out on loan or exiled from Howe's 25-man squad have said their goodbyes as the club seek to upset to Premier League apple cart.
Out of favour midfielder Jeff Hendrick joined Reading on loan, while Ciaran Clark opted for a temporary move to Sheffield United. Isaac Hayden bid an emotional farewell before joining Dean Smith's Norwich City.
READ MORE: Ashworth's first Newcastle United transfer window under the spotlight as he pushes for striker
Freddie Woodman said goodbye to Newcastle on a permanent basis, joining Preston North End, while Dwight Gayle was another long-serving Magpies player who departed, joining Stoke City. How fitting that all departures this summer have joined second-tier clubs...
There is still work to be done to whittle Howe's squad down further. However, a lack of suitors has so far made it difficult to offload more fringe players. Matt Ritchie, Federico Fernandez and Jamal Lewis could all realistically be allowed to leave if offers emerge for their services.
Howe recently admitted one of his senior goalkeepers could be heading for the exit door after the arrival of Nick Pope. “I don’t know. Certainly, I wouldn’t want anyone to leave but I’m well aware four is a difficult number to carry," he said.
Martin Dubravka's agent insists his client would seek an exit if he wasn't first choice at Newcastle. That looks to be the case after social media sensation Pope's performances of late.
Matty Longstaff is likely to head out on loan before the end of the month, while ChronicleLive understands Newcastle have rejected offers for Lucas de Bolle this summer. Fellow youngster Elliot Anderson looks likely to stay put after a fantastic pre-season.
In terms of assets, Newcastle have very few first-team options who can raise capital in the short-term. Of course, the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson and Sven Botman would attract big money if they were heading out the door.
But realistic departures come in the form of Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron. Newcastle's first-team wide men would bring in some much-needed funds for Howe this summer if viable exit routes emerge.
Saint-Maximin is reportedly being considered by the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham but it doesn't look like a St. James' Park exit is imminent. Interest in Almiron is thin on the ground but you could imagine a club paying more than £10m for his services at the business end of the window if Newcastle sign a right winger in the near future.
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