Revealed: Newcastle United face biggest player overhaul for a decade ahead of crunch contract talks; Newcastle United notebook is back for the latest instalment, with the club's contract talks at the top of the agenda.
Byline: Mark Douglas
Newcastle United's hierarchy are currently making contract decisions on a number of key players - as they face one of the biggest overhauls of playing staff in the club's recent history in the next 18 months.
The Magpies have seven players out of contract next summer, with Federico Fernandez, Ki, Andy Carroll, Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot, Jamie Sterry and Javier Manquillo all contracted until 2020.
And just as crucially, they have 13 players out of contract in 2021 -- a fact that is exercising the club's hierarchy as they consider which of the current first teamers should be handed new deals. That 13 includes Isaac Hayden,who is open to starting negotiations with United over a bumper new deal, Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey and DeAndre Yedlin.
All four are worth significant transfer fees so Newcastle have a big decision to make: extend their contracts, cash in over the next two transfer windows or let them potentially wind down their deals and lose value in the coming months.
For high earner Shelvey, there was a feeling they would have cashed in if Rafa Benitez had remained. Similarly, Ritchie was close to being sold under the old manager. But Bruce has recommended keeping both which, along with the stuttering start, means Newcastle have a big call to make.
United also have a sizeable dilemma over some players on the fringes - with the prospect of some high-profile January sales if they're looking to maximise the value of some of that gang of 13.
Dwight Gayle may still be a minimum of a fortnight from returning to full fitnesswith a hamstring problem that is troubling Newcastle medics but he is at the head of a queue of players who they may listen to offers for,
The striker's value remains at a premium but with his contract ending in 2021, the last chance to cash in is January. And it's understood that played a part in the collapse of his move to West Brom.
A [pounds sterling]15million deal to take Gayle to the Baggies was negotiated 24 hours before deadline day - with an initial [pounds sterling]5million loan with a guaranteed deal at the end of it if the Hawthorns club achieved promotion.
Gayle turned that down because he wanted a permanent move and is understood to have expressed the feeling that, with 18 months left on his contract in January, there would be options then and even next summer, when the club may be forced to dial down their asking price.
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