Newcastle are set to clear some deadwood from the squad in the summer, with reports suggesting that Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle will be out the door.
According to reports, Gayle is said to be earning £40,000-per-week (Spotrac), while Andy Carroll is said to be on around £25,000-per-week (Shields Gazette), but with some enormous incentives if he starts.
The Northern Echo claims that in the summer the main targets will be a creative midfielder and a centre-forward, though their business will be dictated by who ends departing the club. They believe that, as things stand, Carroll will not be offered a new deal at the club, while Gayle will finally be allowed the chance to move on permanently.
With Gayle and Carroll both proving to be ineffective for the club this season – neither has a goal between them in all competitions – you can fully understand why they would want to bump them off the wage bill. The bigger problem is, though, who replaces them?
Bearing in mind they are the second and third choice attackers when Joelinton isn’t playing, they would have to get someone in to fill the void.
Does Carroll deserve a new contract?
Yes
No
Gayle is now 29, has played 13 games this season with one assist; Carroll is 31 and has provided four assists from 14. Of course, neither of these represent great stats for a striker, but no one in Newcastle’s squad represents that.
Joelinton, 23, has played 34 games this season and has scored just three – two of which came in FA Cup games against League One opposition.
Therefore, is it really the forwards that need replacing, or is it the tactics that Steve Bruce employs?
Yes, of course, the club wants to see more capable strikers come through the door, but as far as replacements go, Gayle and Carroll are not so bad.
If the Magpies can go out and get two or three strikers in, then these two should definitely be allowed to leave. If they can’t, then they are needed.