Newcastle United duo set for January exits after source’s ‘brutal’ Eddie Howe reveal – pundit
Eddie Howe is right to continue the “brutal” culling for his Newcastle United squad.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpie’s January plans.
On Friday (11 November), Football Insider revealed Newcastle will listen to offers for Matt Ritchie, 33, in January if a deal can be agreed, and Howe has given the green light.
This came after sources told this site on 4 November that the Magpies will listen to offers for Jamaal Lascelles, 28, as the continue to transform their squad.
McManus would not be surprised if the Toon duo leave the club in January.
“It’s a natural evolution, the guys have been there for years but if you want to get better in terms of your depth and quality then these are the decision you have to make,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“It’s brutal, Lascelles is the club captain and I don’t think there will be many fans who have anything to say against Ritchie but this is football.
“They aren’t playing. It’s better for them if they go and play somewhere else every week. We know who is getting a game for Newcastle and these guys can’t get in.
“Newcastle could get rid of two or three players who are there now and bring in some players who can actually challenge for these spaces.
“I think that is something they will look to do.”
Ritchie was one of the club’s key players following his arrival in the summer of 2016.
After scoring 12 goals to help Newcastle return to the Premier League he made over 30 league appearances in the next two Premier League campaigns.
In other news, sources have told this site that Newcastle United are laying the groundwork for £50m+ Mykhaylo Mudryk deal after PiF green light.