Newcastle are set to release Vurnon Anita when his contract ends despite playing with the idea of offering him a new deal, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claims that the 28-year-old will leave St. James’ Park as Rafa Benitez would prefer to bring in new, younger additions to his squad as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
Sources close to Anita claimed that he had hopes of agreeing a contract extension as he looked to stay with the Championship title winners.
However it appears that he is now facing the Benitez axe after five years of service on Tyneside.
It is also understood that Yoan Gouffran’s future will also be confirmed in the next few days when the Magpies release their retained list.
Newcastle were also considering the possibility of offering the Frenchman a new contract as his deal also comes to an end very soon.
Anita arrived at St. James’ Park in 2012 in a £5million switch from Ajax and the Newcastle Chronicle claim that he has began to attract attention from clubs across Europe as he approaches the prospect of becoming a free agent.
It is said that he will be looking for a big-money contract from any potential suitors.
The three-times Netherlands international has made a total of 155 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle, scoring three goals.