The Newcastle United transfer decisions that nobody seems to be talking about

For all the talk of new signings, potential outgoings are set to hit the transfer agenda at Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe’s first-team squad is at risk of becoming overloaded each time a new player arrives through the door on Tyneside.

Indeed, the Magpies’ 25-man Premier League squad situation provides plenty of food for thought as it could leave players in an uncertain position.

The 25-man squad situation

Newcastle’s 25-man squad is currently full - and that is without registering Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and the impending arrival of Bruno Guimaraes

Already, with two days of the window remaining, that means at least three players will need to be removed to give way for the trio once the window slams shut.

And those players left out of Howe’s squad are at risk of not playing again this season, unless they are able to seal a late temporary or permanent exit.

What Eddie Howe said on potential departures

Howe, speaking on Friday, said: “We just have to assess the situation come the end of the window.

“I’d obviously never want to leave a player in a position where he couldn’t play for us and not give them an opportunity of going out on loan.

“We’ll try and be fair to everyone and let them know where they stand.

“That’s not something I’ve thought about too much. The main focus is trying to bring players in and improve the squad rather than worrying about the other way.

“But there will become a time where that potentially may be very important for me.”

Which Newcastle players could leave?

- Freddie Woodman: Woodman was on the verge of signing for Bournemouth on a season-long loan in the summer before United’s goalkeeping crisis unfolded in pre-season. Now that situation has eased, don’t rule out a Championship loan - or maybe even a permanent exit - this month.

- Elliot Anderson: Luton Town-linked Anderson was left out of the trip to Saudi Arabia and featured for the under-23s on Monday night. While the midfielder has been in-and-around Howe’s first-team, he’s lacked any sort of game time. An EFL loan, on paper, makes a lot of sense.

- Joe White: Attracting interest from Football League clubs, including Hartlepool United. Now his contract situation is resolved, Newcastle might accept a loan approach. The club, of course, has to be right for the player.

- Jeff Hendrick: Just hasn’t worked out for him on Tyneside. And any hope of a fresh start under a new head coach hasn’t happened, with the Republic of Ireland international playing just 10 minutes under Howe in total.

- Matty Longstaff: Matty Longstaff Recalled from his loan spell at Aberdeen, Longstaff is a long way off from recapturing the form he showed on his debut against Manchester United to break into Howe’s first-team plans. A loan move is likely, whether that be to the Championship or League One.

- Dwight Gayle: Since penning a new three-year contract in the summer, Gayle has played just 27 minutes of Premier League football. A player who has constantly been overlooked, not just by Howe but previous head coach Steve Bruce, too.