An insight into the predicted fallout within Eddie Howe’s ranks on the back of Newcastle United’s hefty winter outlay has been provided on Thursday.

The info comes courtesy of reliable outlet The Athletic, who point towards a pair of players being ‘completely out of the picture’ ahead of the 2nd half of the campaign.

The duo in question? Defenders Ciaran Clark and Jamal Lewis.

Jeff Hendrick was expected to be in a similar boat, but the Republic of Ireland international midfielder managed to seal a last-gasp exit, linking up with Queens Park Rangers for the remainder of 2021/22.

The bad news for Clark and Lewis of course comes with the new Saudi regime at St. James’ Park having enjoyed a thoroughly productive month’s work on the transfer front.

An impressive spree saw the Magpies reinforce their ranks courtesy of the additions of all of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Matt Targett, Dan Burn and, most notably of all, Bruno Guimaraes.

Blues clash

Turning attentions back towards the pitch, Newcastle are set to mark their return to action in a crunch showdown with fellow Premier League strugglers Everton next week.

Amid a tense battle against the drop, Eddie Howe and co. will welcome the Toffees, now led by Frank Lampard on the back of the Englishman’s appointment earlier this week, to Tyneside for a potentially significant outing at the foot of the English top-flight table.

Should the newly reinforced Magpies manage to emerge from proceedings victorious, they will, at least temporarily, climb out of the relegation places, and to within a solitary point of faltering Everton in 16th.

 

Revealed: The 3 players Chelsea are ‘leading the race’ for ahead of summer window

The latest on Luis Diaz’s potential Liverpool debut against Cardiff City in FA Cup