Newcastle United are determined to keep the bulk of their squad together for the remainder of the season.
Rafael Benitez has confirmed in the Chronicle that the only player to leave Newcastle United in January will be Freddie Woodman.
Benitez is keen to send the Newcastle youngster out on loan to gain first-team experience, but he insists that no other player will be departing St. James’ Park when the transfer window re-opens.
“I’m really pleased with the squad,” he said. “I’m not interested in selling any of the players. Woodman will go on loan. Rest must be here.”
Woodman has already been sent out on loan twice by Newcastle during his career to date, with the youngster having spells with both Crawley Town and Hartlepool United.
The England youth international is currently behind Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Matz Sels in the pecking order at St. James’ Park.
Benitez’s comments also appear to rule out departures for both Cheick Tiote and Aleksandar Mitrovic in the new year.
Tiote and Mitrovic have been both linked with moves away from the Magpies, but the Tyneside club appear set to reject all offers for the pair.
Benitez has, instead, hinted that Newcastle are keen to add to their squad in January – rather than lose players.
“In terms of players coming in, we’re searching for players in different positions,” he said. “We need to balance the team, but it’s not easy.”
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