Newcastle Parts Ways with Four Senior Players, Including Two Former England Stars, as Eddie Howe Passes on Aaron Ramsdale

NEWCASTLE have opted against signing Aaron Ramsdale.

The Mags have also announced the exits of another TWO goalies as prepares for a major shake-up in the keeper department.

Aaron Ramsdale will return to Southampton after failing to land a permanent Newcastle deal Credit: Getty Eddie Howe has made the signing of a new goalie a top priority this summer Credit: Getty

Howe, who had already triggered a 12-month extension for No1 Nick Pope until 2027, has made signing a new goalie one of his top priorities this summer.

Brighton’s Dutch ace Bart Verbruggen, Manchester City’s James Trafford and Stade de Reims’ Ewen Jaouen are names on his transfer wishlist.

But , who featured 23 times for during a season-long loan from Southampton, has failed to convince him he should be part of a Toon rebuild.

And the 28-year-old five-capped England international will head back to the South Coast after failing to earn a permanent deal.

Newcastle also confirmed back-up goalies John Ruddy, a 39-year-old capped by the Three Lions in 2012, and Max Thompson, 21, are also leaving once their contracts expire this month.

But fourth-choice Mark Gillespie, who has made only three league cup appearances since his arrival from Motherwell in 2020, has penned a new one-year contract.

Full-backs Kieran Trippier, who looks set to join Wolves, and Swede Emil Krafth have already said their goodbyes.

And fellow defender Matt Targett, who has just completed a season-long loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, will also become a free agent.

Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70m while the future of right-back Tino Livramento remains unclear after failing to agree terms on a new deal.

The star, part of England’s World Cup squad, only has two years left on his contract and has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Manchester City.

Howe has identified Atalanta’s Italian right-back Marco Palestra as a top target to come in and bolster his backline.

But he faces competition from the Gunners, City and Juventus for the 21-year-old after he shone on loan at Cagliari.

Toon are keen on Italian full-back Marco Palestra Credit: Getty Fabian Schar has signed a new one-year deal to stay at St James’ Park Credit: PA

However, veteran Swiss defender Fabian Schar has agreed a 12-month extension on reduced terms.

Schar, 34, is the second-longest serving player in the current squad after Jacob Murphy and is already looking ahead to his ninth season on Tyneside after overcoming his ankle injury.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be staying at the club. I feel like I’ve achieved a lot in my eight years here but I believe there is still much more to come.

“I’m proud to call Newcastle home. Everybody knows how happy I am, both in this city and with this club, so I’m very glad to be continuing that for another year.

“Last season didn’t end the way I wanted in terms of my injury, but my full focus now is on getting back to fitness and helping the team achieve our goals next season.”

Sporting director Ross Wilson admitted: “We had some complex discussion but all involved were keen to reach a conclusion on Fabian’s future quickly following the season’s end, so I’m pleased to have that clarity this early into the summer.”

While Howe added: “Fabian has been outstanding since I arrived at the football club so I’m really pleased to see that he’ll be staying with us.

“He’s a really highly valued member of our squad, not only for his ability on the pitch but also for the leadership and experience he brings to the group.

“Fabian’s form was really strong until injury ended his season. His creative distribution, defensive mentality and huge experience was a big miss towards the end of the last campaign. He has worked tirelessly to regain his fitness and we look forward to seeing him back in action next season.”