Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser is still likely to leave St James' Park this summer - despite a positive display in the reserves earlier this week.
Fraser scored in the 4-3 win over Norwich for the Under-21s and his attitude since being relegated to the second string can't be questioned. But Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has already hinted he has no future on Tyneside.
Indeed, Howe has previously shut down questions on Fraser's future and made it clear he is unwilling to let a running commentary on Fraser distract his team from clinching their first Champions League finish in 20 years. Fraser still has two years left on his contract at United but options for a new club have been discussed behind the scenes.
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Fraser is set to be joined by the exit of long-serving defender Ciaran Clark, currently on loan at Sheffield United, with his contract up at the end of the season. Reading want to sign Jeff Hendrick and a deal could be done to allow him to join the Royals for a nominal fee if they stay up with the Berkshire side already expressing firm interest in a permanent deal.
Matt Ritchie's contract is also about to expire and while there has been no confirmation he will leave yet, Howe stated last pre-season that this could be the winger's final efforts for the club. Paul Dummett's deal is also up and while the defender has played in only the Carabao Cup tie at Tranmere back in August, he has been in the first-team squad 12 times this season.
It is understood that Dummett's representatives are keen on an extension to his current arrangement. Three goalkeepers in Loris Karius, Mark Gillespie and Dan Langley will all see their contracts expire.
Matty Longstaff's current deal is also set to expire at the end of the season but with the player still recovering from a knee injury it remains to be seen what the next step will be. A report in the Times earlier this year suggested the club will revisit his situation later in 2023.
With Dummett and the keepers though, the prospect of a long European campaign and cover required ahead of the potential of three matches a week at times next season means that economical squad options are going to be required. Newcastle do intend to spend money this summer but tweaking the squad and making decisions on futures is also a big part of the plan.
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