Eddie Howe gets his wish as Newcastle prepare to axe snubbed star for cut-price fee

Eddie Howe appears to have gotten his way as Newcastle are reportedly aiming to sell Jamal Lewis this summer for a cut-price fee.

Lewis joined the Magpies from Norwich in September 2020 for £15million. The left-back made 26 appearances in his debut season at St James’ Park, helping Newcastle finish 12th in the Premier League and reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

However, Lewis lost his place at the start of the current campaign as then manager Steve Bruce began to use Matt Ritchie on the left side of defence.

Following Bruce’s sacking, Newcastle brought in Howe on November 8. That will have given Lewis some hope at getting back into the team.

But the Northern Ireland international hasn’t featured in the league since mid-December. Lewis is struggling with a groin issue, forcing him to be left out of the squad in Newcastle’s last eight Prem games.

Howe has no use for Lewis and is pushing for club officials to get him on the transfer list. And it looks like Newcastle chiefs have been listening.

Jamal Lewis set for transfer

Football Insider state Lewis will be free to move on this summer, and Newcastle are preparing to tell the player in the next few weeks.

His departure will form part of a major squad overhaul on Tyneside. Several of Lewis’ team-mates may also be sold, although they are not named by the report.

The Magpies are willing to take a hit on 24-year-old Lewis, too. They will accept bids worth £8m, which would represent a £5.5m loss for the club.

The report reveals Championship teams Stoke and Birmingham were pushing to sign Lewis on loan during January. They could revive their interest once Lewis is told to leave.

Newcastle set sights on Everton man

Meanwhile, Howe wants Newcastle to pursue Everton centre-back Ben Godfrey later this year, according to a report.

The Sunday Mirror claim Howe is a fan of Godfrey and was hoping a deal could be agreed during the winter window.

That did not happen, with Frank Lampard eager to keep the English defender, but Howe remains keen.

A major incentive may be the increase in wages. Godfrey currently earns £68,000 a week, and that could rise dramatically if he were to move to the north east.

Everton are scrapping to avoid relegation, while Newcastle are six points ahead in 14th place. Even if the Toffees stay up, the report claims Godfrey could still be tempted to join Newcastle.

READ MORE: West Ham in bargain £17m battle with Newcastle for versatile attacker lighting up Ligue 1