The Athletic (via HITC) are reporting that Newcastle are struggling to move on three players due to their current wage packets.
Dwight Gayle, Jeff Hendrick, and Ciaran Clark are surplus to requirements at St James’ Park and have been told they’re to be moved on this summer. Between them, they are costing the club around £100,000 a week in wages, which isn’t huge in the grand scheme of things, especially given the PIF’s riches, it is £100k a week on players who won’t even kick a ball for the first team, not to mention a dent in the FFP budget.
However, while that money might be mere chicken feed to the Newcastle board, those wages are a stumbling block for potentially interested clubs, especially as all three will likely be stepping down into the Championship, if not a lower-level Premier League team.
Gayle and Clark have both been linked with a move to West Brom to reunite with former Magpies boss, Steve Bruce however, it is now believed that there is some work to be done to get the players over the line.
There hasn’t been any interest shown in Hendrick as yet, but the Republic of Ireland international is resigned to leaving, telling the Irish Mirror:
“It’s a strong possibility (that I’ve played my final game for Newcastle),”
“I wouldn’t say I was unfortunate as I got to go to a massive club. A great club. I played a lot of games under Steve Bruce.
“Newcastle have done really well and brought some good players in. I can admit their midfield is very strong with the additions in January. I’d imagine they will strengthen the whole squad again in the summer.”
Up Next: Italians Give Up On Toon Target
Test Your Knowledge: Do You Know From Where We Signed These Players?