The summer transfer window is fast approaching and Newcastle United are working hard behind the scenes ahead of what promises to be a frenetic few months away from the pitch. The Magpies are on the cusp of securing European football for next term, which would prompt a major spending spree while Eddie Howe's side enjoy pre-season.
Newcastle are already being linked with a host of familiar faces as Dan Ashworth and his team set out to improve Howe's first team squad and the youth ranks at St James' Park. But what about potential outgoings?
On the face of it, Newcastle don't have too many sellable assets at their disposal to top up any transfer kitty at Howe's disposal. Matty Longstaff, Matt Ritchie, Ciaran Clark, Loris Karius, Paul Dummett are out of contract this summer - but who could also exit in the coming months?
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Ryan Fraser
The most obvious Tyneside departure this summer is Ryan Fraser. Recently banished to train with the under-21s, it is hard to see a way back for the former Bournemouth winger.
Eddie Howe all but confirmed Fraser's time in the first-team was over in an unexpected admission in February. When asked if the player had a future at the club, Howe said: "I think that’s a difficult one for me to answer, because I’d never put a firm decision on that, because life and football can change quickly. But I’d say at the moment, no he doesn’t."
Chronicle Live understands Southampton were keen to do a deal for Fraser in January but a move failed to materialise. Newcastle may be able to cash in when the transfer window reopens.
Jamal Lewis
Once one of the most sought-after left-backs in the Premier League, Jamal Lewis has struggled to find his feet on Tyneside. The Magpies signed the Northern Ireland international while Liverpool were sniffing around but should Lewis leave this summer, it's unlikely a team of the Reds' stature will be making a bid.
The full-back was given the opportunity to stay and fight for his future at Newcastle upon Howe's arrival but has failed to overcome recent injury setbacks and now finds himself stuck behind Dan Burn and Matt Targett in the St James' Park pecking order.
Will this summer be the time to move him on?
Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle's skipper has still played a vital role this season despite featuring just a handful of times. Jamaal Lascelles' dressing room influence remains strong and earning two bookings for time-wasting without even being on the pitch takes some doing.
Howe continues to champion his captain at every turn but with only a couple of Premier League appearances this term, it could be time to cash in and let a fine Newcastle servant depart in search of regular game time elsewhere.
Lascelles was heavily linked with a return to his former club Nottingham Forest over the summer and it feels like a deal that could work for all parties.
Javier Manquillo
Another player who has really struggled for game time under Eddie Howe is Javier Manquillo. Brought in by Rafa Benitez, the Spaniard has been another good servant to the club.
The former Sunderland man won't be replacing Kieran Trippier any time soon and is arguably Newcastle's fourth-choice right-back behind the England man, Harrison Ashby and Emil Krafth.
Kell Watts
Kell Watts looked to be firmly in Howe's plans when he travelled out to Austria with the rest of his Newcastle team-mates for pre-season. However, an untimely knee injury halted his progress and a loan deal was sought instead.
Watts has overcome that particular issue and has enjoyed a decent temporary spell away from the north east with League 1 Peterborough United. Could an EFL team take a punt on him this summer?
Allan Saint-Maximin
This one may split opinion but Allan Saint-Maximin is arguably one of the only Newcastle players who will warrant big money this summer. The Frenchman remains a part of Howe's plans for now but speculation persists about a potential exit.
AC Milan were keen on the wide man back in January and if Newcastle go out and spend top dollar on a left-sided attacker in the summer, it could be curtains for the Magpies hero.
Newcastle will try and balance the books as best as they can this summer and Saint-Maximin is one of just a few who could bring in a significant fee.
Martin Dubravka
Martin Dubravka is back at Newcastle for the time being but his ill-fated Manchester United spell may well have ended his time in black and white.
Dubravka left the club last summer after Nick Pope's arrival and is currently playing second fiddle after cutting his Old Trafford stint short. Many a Premier League side would surely love a goalkeeper of his calibre in between the sticks and if the player still isn't happy being used as a backup, an exit could make sense.
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