Here’s a list of the group of players head coach Steve Bruce needs to talk futures with – and the three he might wish he didn’t have to.
9. Javier Manquillo
Newcastle could have sold him in the summer but chose to hang on to the steady right-back. Would be a surprise if they did not think they could improve on him next summer, mind. Photo: Alex Livesey
10. Karl Darlow
Another top performer in the League Cup loss to Leicester, Darlow showed Steve Bruce he's not just around to make up the numbers. Darlow, if he accepts number two duties, will likely be offered a new deal. He will not be short of options, though. Photo: Ian MacNicol
11. Achraf Lazaar - NOT OUT OF CONTRACT
Not out of contract until 2021. Newcastle United have been stuck with the Morocco international since Rafa Benitez bizarrely moved to tie the then Palermo man down to a five-year deal. Photo: HECTOR RETAMAL
12. Henri Saivet - NOT OUT OF CONTRACT
Another who is stuck at United until the summer of 2021. Still at Newcastle, having not left before most of the windows in Europe and beyond closed for the summer. Still has escape route options, though. Photo: Catherine Ivill