The Athletic reports that if Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis, and Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United are unable to find new clubs in the next few days, they may be required to practice with the U21 team.
Pre-season training is scheduled to start in the next few days, and most players who haven’t been away on international duty are anticipated to return shortly.
After a successful loan term that resulted in promotion, Fraser “agreed a deal” with Southampton; however, there are still a few issues to work out before he makes the permanent move.
Both he and Lewis have reached the last 12 months of their current contracts with the team. The former Norwich star is expected to return to Tyneside after Watford turned down their offer to sign the left-back permanently after his loan.
Hayden, a midfield player with two years remaining on his contract after returning from loan stints at Standard Liege and QPR last season, is also available and attempting to move on.
Sending all three to the U21 setup if they aren’t gone by the end of the week may seem like a harsh decision, but it’s obvious that Howe wants his first team group to be full of players who are in his plans, making sure those who don’t have a future at the club don’t mix with those who are anticipated to be in our squad for the 2024–2025 season.