Sources: Newcastle United set to axe Ciaran Clark from squad after transfer collapse
Ciaran Clark is set to be left out of Newcastle United’s revised 25-man Premier League squad, Football Insider understands.
It comes after the 32-year-old rejected a move away from St. James’ Park on deadline day.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that the Republic of Ireland international turned down a potential loan move to Middlesbrough.
Newcastle were open to letting Clark go before Monday’s transfer deadline to free up space in their squad.
However, the centre-back snubbed the opportunity to leave in favour of staying on Tyneside.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe needs to omit three players currently in Newcastle’s squad to make space for the five new January signings.
Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn all arrived last month.
Howe has decided Clark will be one of the fall guys and he is set to drop down to the club’s Under-23s for the second half of the campaign.
The defender has 18 months remaining on his contract at St. James’ Park.
Signed from Aston Villa in 2016, Clark has made 13 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side this season.
His latest outing came at Elland Road in a 1-0 win over Leeds United.
In total, he has 129 appearances for the Magpies.
Newcastle’s squad is currently on a warm-weather training camp in Saudi Arabia.
Eddie Howe’s side return to Premier League action against Everton on 8 February at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle are currently 18th in the Premier League table – one point from safety.
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