The Mail’s Craig Hope claims (Monday, 7.37) that Newcastle midfielder Jeff Hendrick is in line to sign for Championship promotion hopefuls QPR. However, Jamal Lewis and Ciaran Clark are set to remain on Tyneside.
Newcastle have brought in Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett – and are expected to sign Dan Burn. The Toon could even make another late signing, with three hours left in the January window.
Players have got to go then, and Freddie Woodman has left the club to join Bournemouth on loan. Matthew Bondswell and Joe White have also gone on loan to Shrewsbury Town and Hartlepool United in the last 24 hours.
Hendrick is on the fringes, with Bruno signed. Similarly, Targett pushes Lewis down the pecking order and the imminent signing of Burn – a left-sided centre-back – sees Clark’s chances of game time dramatically reduce.
The Mail’s Hope says Hendrick is set to join fourth-placed side QPR. But, Clark and Lewis have rejected moves to Middlesbrough and Birmingham – even though they will not be a part of the 25-man Premier League squad.
Lewis, Clark and Hendrick: Newcastle set to hold late fire sale
A number of players have come in and that means, players have to go. Not only to balance the books, but to simply slim down a bloated squad. Lewis has struggled since his £15million move and Targett is first choice.
Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie can also play left-back. Hendrick was expected to go even before Bruno arrived. Clark has been criticised and his last action might be his red card in a recent friendly in the Middle East.
It is intriguing, though, that Clark and Lewis have rejected moves despite the chance that they will not be included in the 25-man squad.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
