Newcastle United could potentially see Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie depart in the January transfer window as they look to improve their squad.
This has been suggested by Newcastle reporter Aaron Stokes, who has been speaking on the Everything is Black & White podcast amid the World Cup break.
Eddie Howe’s men seem to be making the strides that some may not have expected for years to come, with the Magpies disrupting the ‘big six’ as they sit third in the Premier League table.
Newcastle have already caused some upsets with a draw against Manchester City, as well as wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
But there is clearly still some room for improvement to be made in Howe’s squad, with Stokes feeling some of the fringe players like Dummett and Ritchie could be headed for the exit.
He said: “Who drops out? I think you’re probably looking at the likes of Dummett, Ritchie – these players who aren’t getting a look-in.
“I think they’ve probably felt a bit aggrieved that Dan Burn’s come in and stolen that left-back spot off Matt Targett and left a few of them out in the cold. So I think those are the fringe players that probably go.”
TIF Thoughts on Stokes’ comments…
With the way Newcastle have performed this season, we do think the immediate improvements on Tyneside can be made in providing some stronger squad depth.
Do Newcastle need a busy January window?
Yes
No
The likes of Dummett and Ritchie are both included in the 25-man squad, but neither has played any real role in the Toon’s games this season.
Ritchie has played the more minutes out of the pair, and that has only consisted of a brief cameo in the league and 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup.
So it is apparent neither of these players will be brought on to change games for Howe, which is something that he could well need if Newcastle are to seriously challenge for the Champions League spots.