Rafael Benitez has confirmed that he spoke to three Newcastle players about their contracts.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that he has held contract talks with Cheick Tiote, Vurnon Anita and Yoan Goufran about their contracts.
The Magpies coasted to an eighth league win in a row on Sunday afternoon, as they beat Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road to extend their lead at the top of the Championship to five points.
Benitez’s men appear to be heading towards immediate promotion back to the Premier League, and some fans may already be looking towards the January transfer window or next summer to try and build the squad for a return to the top flight.
Whilst new signings will be a huge part of that, keeping current players will be key as well, with three players coming to the end of their contracts next summer.
Utility man Vurnon Anita, midfielder Cheick Tiote and winger Yoan Gouffran will all become free agents at the end of the season, and Newcastle will be weighing up whether to offer them new deals.
Newcastle United’s Vurnon Anita in action with Leeds United’s Kemar Roofe
Anita, 27, has been a key player for Newcastle this season with 13 appearances, playing mostly at right back, but his versatility to play in midfield too makes him a valuable squad member for Benitez.
Meanwhile, winger Gouffran had struggled to live up to his billing after a January 2013 move from Bordeaux, but has starred this season with three goals and two assists to his name, putting the 30-year-old right in contention for a new deal.
However, the least likely to earn a new contract is Tiote, who has played just 16 minutes of football this season, and doesn’t appear to have much of a future at St. James’ Park after almost seven years at the club.
Newcastle’s Yoan Gouffran in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi
Now, manager Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that he spoke to all three players a month ago to keep them updated on the situation regarding their deals, and whilst he suggested something may happen in the future, he wants them to keep performing – and ruled out anybody leaving in January.
“I spoke with the three players about a month ago,” said Benitez. “I wanted them to know where we are and to make sure there wasn’t a problem. They are happy, they are training well and they know the situation. There’s nothing else to say. Each case is different, but they know our idea and we are working together. Maybe something will happen in the future, but they must continue to perform.”
“Selling in January is not something we are considering. Each case is different, but we are not looking to lose anyone in January at the moment,” he added.
Do you think Anita, Gouffran and Tiote deserve new deals?
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