Sales away on the Tyne

PUTTING up the For Sale signs at St James’ Park will cause instability for months.

As honest and candid as chief executive Darren Eales was in admitting the Geordies are open to clawing back cash, the result is messy. Eddie Howe’s steady building was already looking to be on flimsier ground after a run of eight defeats in 10 games.

On top of that he now has a squad wondering what’s next for them, instead of buckling down to be part of a long-term building process.

On Friday Bayern Munich made it clear Kieran Trippier (below) was a target, quickly rebuffed by Newcastle who denied they’d had any talks.

On Thursday it appeared injured Brazilian enforcer Joelinton had played his last game for the club. He could be sold in the summer because his contract is up in 2025, and his wage demands for a new deal are too high.

On Wednesday it emerged Bruno Guimaraes had arrived in Paris… solely for a family holiday. Nothing to do with PSG readying the ground to pay £99million for him in the summer. Really?

Alexander Isak is the best forward in the Premier League. Before last week, no one talked of a move away from Tyneside. Now the debate is whether Arsenal can afford him.

For two years under the Saudis Newcastle were a buying club and now they are seen as likely sellers.

Is the season now a write-off? They are 10th, and struggling to qualify for Europe, but still have the FA Cup to keep it interesting.

There’s a danger that the tight-knit team spirit of the good times could unravel, if players have one eye on a move elsewhere and don’t see Newcastle as immediate challengers for honours.

Howe, if he remains in charge beyond the summer, is clearly on the cusp of having to build a new side, wheeling and dealing along the way, which could cause problems.