The make-up of Newcastle United's squad for next season will become a little clearer this month as the Premier League prepares to publish top-flight clubs' retained and released lists.
Among those Newcastle players who are entering the final weeks of their original deals are Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Loris Karius, Mark Gillespie, Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff. While Clark looks set to move on, following a loan spell at Sheffield United, it is not inconceivable that at least half of those six individuals could have the chance to stay put.
Howe made it clear last month that he wanted both Dummett and Ritchie to sign new deals and the Newcastle boss predicted that '95%' of the squad would be kept on after helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League with their contributions on the field or behind the scenes. Howe is keen to retain the spirit and togetherness that has served his side so well in the last 18 months and it is worth noting that Federico Fernandez, Dwight Gayle and Freddie Woodman were the only first-teamers to leave permanently last summer.
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So who could follow? Well, ChronicleLive understands the Premier League's lists 'shouldn't be too far away' and are set to be published in mid-June. Howe has already held talks with his players, including those who were due to be out of contract, during individual end of season reviews. These are traditionally open and honest conversations to ensure each member of the squad knows where they stand before they jet off on international duty or embark on their summer breaks.
Some of those players who will ultimately move on this summer got the chance to bid farewell to St James' Park on the lap of honour following the goalless draw against Leicester City last month, which clinched the Magpies' place in the top four. Howe admitted it was an 'emotional night for everyone' - in more ways than one.
"Whether you have played the game or not, you are part of something very special that hopefully will be talked about for years to come at a club that has an incredible history and that we're all really proud to represent," the Newcastle boss told reporters. "I'm sure I'm speaking on behalf of the staff members that are leaving and the players that may move on, because it's football, when I say that it's been an amazing season and an amazing squad to be a part of."
When it comes to those staff members who are departing, coach analyst Mark Leyland is taking up a new role with the City Football Group, where he will be managing the methodology across Man City's global conglomerate to ensure consistency in systems and approaches.
