Newcastle United to cut squad size with Javier Manquillo to go and Jamaal Lascelles subject of 'bid'
Newcastle United could be set for a busy few days in terms of outgoings at St James' Park
Newcastle United are trying to offload Javier Manquillo in the January window to help free up the wage bill and create squad space in Eddie Howe's first-team squad.
With the window starting to move ever so slightly, after a slow start, Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has also been the subject of intense speculation over a move to Besiktas in Turkey. It's not a new link for Lascelles after reports last summer and earlier this month, but journalists following Besiktas are understood to have been briefed of a potential bid.
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Lascelles' representatives have maintained a dignified silence on the matter, just a couple of weeks after Eddie Howe stated he wanted to keep the centre-back. Losing Lascelles would leave Howe short-handed in the heart of defence and a replacement would have to be snapped up before the window closes.
Manquillo's situation is more straightforward with the Spanish defender's future on Tyneside looking doubtful all season. A groin injury has kept him sidelined and he has not been spotted at St James' Park with his last appearance back in May in the 4-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Rafa Benitez - now with Celta Vigo - is keen to be re-united with the man he signed from Atletico Madrid in 2017.
Newcastle are also looking for clubs for Isaac Hayden and Jeff Hendrick with both back at the club following unsuccessful loan spells at Standard Liege and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. Hayden has two years left on his contract while Hendrick's deal finally comes to an end in June.