By support

10th Aug, 2016 | 10:17am

Report: Benitez to offload six Newcastle senior players, four attackers to be axed

By Amir Mir

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is ready to offload striker quartet Siem de Jong, Emmanuel Riviere, Yoan Gouffran and Sammy Ameobi this summer, according to a report.

The Shield Gazette claim these four senior players are expected to be joined by defender Kevin Mbabu and want-away midfielder Moussa Sissoko through the St James’ Park exit door.

It is said these transfers could either be permanent or loan as Benitez steps up plans to overhaul the squad for the Magpies’ promotion challenge this season.

Sissoko who has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and is rated at £35 million, has made it clear that he wants a move away from the Championship side.

Injury-prone de Jong has been linked with a loan move back to Holland at PSV and defender Mbabu could be loaned out for first-team experience.

Striker Riviere, who signed for a reported £6million fee in 2014, has been told he is not in the manager’s plans after a miserable one goal in 26 appearances for the Tyneside club.

Gouffran, who has a year remaining on his contract also faces the same situation, but it is reported he does not wish to leave St James’ Park.

Academy graduate Ameobi’s future has been mooted away from the north east as Benitez looks to trim his squad after signing eight senior players this summer.

The Spaniard has signed Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie, Mats Sels, Isaac Hayden, Grant Hanley, Jesus Gamez, Mo Diame and Ciaran Clark this summer for a combined £50 million.

In other Newcastle transfer news, manager Rafa Benitez will complete a deal for this highly-rated Premier League youngster.