Toon chiefs looking to the future
NEWCASTLE United chiefs are currently preparing to make squad changes for next season as the club starts to look to the future.
Rafa Benitez is solely concentrating on maintaining the club’s Premier League status but plans are in place behind the scenes to improve the Toon manager’s back-up options going forward.
The number of players promoted to the first team has been disappointing in recent times with the long-term contract extension of Paul Dummett a rare success story from the Academy.
The Under-23 side are currently second bottom of the table in the second tier of the Premier League’s reserve ranks after a poor campaign.
United’s hierarchy are keeping a close eye on the amount of players making their way into the development squad and the Magpies have at least been encouraged by the emergence of 19-year-old box-to-box midfielder Mo Sangare in the second half of the season.
Luke Charman has also impressed after scoring 11 goals in the second string this season and he could get a new deal, but a clutch of players are waiting for news on their futures and whether new contracts will on the table.
Young England youth goalkeeper Paul Woolston, Australian defender Curtis Good, centre-back Kyle Cameron (currently on loan at Queen of the South), and Tom Heardman are all awaiting guidance on the next step in their careers.
Under-23 team captain Jack Hunter and defender Michael Newberry are also soon to be out of contract.
Massadio Haidara is another player who is likely to be handed a free transfer with the injuryplagued left-back set for pastures new next season.
Newcastle are also prepared to listen to offers for Ivan Toney with the striker currently on loan at Scunthorpe United after being unable to break through with the Magpies since signing back in 2015.