Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Jamal Lewis' omission from Newcastle's 25-man squad spells the end of his time on Tyneside.
The Northern Ireland international has struggled for game time this season and has been left out of Eddie Howe's squad for the remainder of the season, following the loan arrival of Matt Targett.
Lewis was once linked with a move to Liverpool after bursting on to the scene at Norwich City.
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The 24-year-old was highly regarded when he first joined the Magpies but injury problems have seen his game time limited.
Howe admitted that those injury problems were behind his omission from the squad.
If Newcastle are to stave off relegation from the Premier League, next summer will be another big rebuild at St. James' Park, one that will see a left-back sign for the Magpies, claims Whelan.
“You want to finish the season on a high with some momentum and confidence in your game," he told Football Insider.
“Now he’s not been selected in the squad, he’s not going to do that at Newcastle. He knows the score. He needs to get himself out on loan.
“I’m sure Eddie Howe won’t stand in the way of Jamal Lewis. It seems to me that they have made their mind up already.
“He’s not going to be part of their squad next year, I don’t think. This spells the end of his Newcastle career.
“I expect Howe will already be lining up much better in that position if they stay in the Premier League.
“Now it’s about consolidating your career and going somewhere else.”
