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Lee Ryder

Departures at Newcastle United expected as Eddie Howe drops 'elite' transfer hint

Eddie Howe says any decisions on contract renewals have been delayed until the end of the season.

Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Loris Karius, Mark Gillespie, Dan Langley, Matty Longstaff (currently recovering from a knee injury) and Isaac Westendorf will all see their current deals expire at the end of the season. But Howe has told his senior players at least that they may still have a part to play in the final eight matches.

When asked if this could be the last efforts in a black and white shirt for some players, Howe said: "I think compared to most seasons, I don't think we have many players out of contract. Certainly, that's my internal feeling.

READ MORE: Newcastle United discussions with Belgian club KV Oostende continue

"Everyone still has a part to play and no decisions have been made either way yet as to whether players will stay or leave us. They still have a window to show why they should be part of our long-term future."

Although, there are certainly big question marks over veteran defender Ciaran Clark, on loan at Sheff United, and Ryan Fraser, sent to train with the second string over a suggestion he was not committed, with both set to head the list of departures this summer.

Howe and his recruitment staff now have the tough challenge to find more stars like Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman in the coming window. Howe said: "I believe when you have elite players – which I think Bruno is – the standard of training increases, the demand on the players that are in your squad then increases with it.

"They also set a really good example in terms of certain things that you want delivered on the training pitch, so yes, I think he has raised standards.

"It's one of the key things about recruitment: you want to try to bring players in that stimulate the group to improve and competition to bring the best out of everybody."

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