‘Possibly’ - Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United player could leave after six years

Eddie Howe admits Javier Manquillo could leave Newcastle United this summer — but only if the player wants to.

The versatile full-back has fallen further down the pecking order at St James’ Park this summer following the arrivals of England under-21s duo Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall. Manquillo was already behind the likes of Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Dan Burn.

Indeed, the 29-year-old endured a deeply frustrating campaign last time out - managing just six appearances in total.

He was impacted by a groin injury at the beginning of last season and now this one - forcing him to sit out of friendlies against Chelsea, Brighton and Hove Albion, Fiorentina and Villarreal, plus the two opening Premier League fixtures versus Aston Villa and Manchester City.

The Spaniard is understood to have attracted interest from clubs in La Liga, and while Howe says there’s a chance he could leave, the Magpies’ head coach revealed his desire to retain his services.

Asked about Manquillo’s future, Howe said: “I think that’ll depend on what he wants really. For me, I’m trying to build the squad as depth as we can for the robust season we have ahead. At the moment, it seems very calm but we’re going to have games coming as soon as this international break comes.

“After that, we’ve got a really intense period of games. We need the depth in the squad. I’d like him to stay but it’s in his hands.”

Manquillo moved to Newcastle in 2017 on the back of a season-long spell at Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland. In total, the full-back has made 110 appearances for United, the majority of which under Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce.

The former Atletico Madrid defender has one-year left on the contract extension he signed in 2020.