Seven Newcastle United players set to be axed as club plan "major clearout" - The Times

According to The Times, Newcastle plan to move on Karl Darlow, Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis, Emil Krafth, Isaac Hayden, Miguel Almiron and Dwight Gayle in the summer.

After already making five signings in January, Newcastle are looking to push on again in an attempt to transform the squad - with seven players looking to make room for new arrivals.

As per Martin Hardy's piece, a source close to the club says a "major clearout" is expected this summer, with Howe's squad needing to be trimmed significantly and freed from deadwood to make room for new additions.

The seven players arrived for a collective fee of around £70 million, but with the majority being injured or out of form, we would be fortunate to get half of that back in sales.

Plans have already started for the summer window, with Dan Ashworth looking set to become a sporting director at Newcastle to help with transfers.

Under new manager Eddie Howe, three of the players have been left out of the 25-man squad, while all seven have only made nine appearances collectively since the new year.

Both Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar will also be out of contract in the summer, but Howe is expected to discuss new deals for the pair.