Pundit expects Newcastle clear-out; names only pair ‘safe’ from the chop

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Former Tottenham and England striker Darren Bent feels all but two players are vulnerable to being sold following the takeover of Newcastle United.

The Magpies have finally waved goodbye to Mike Ashley after the £305m takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. The deal was completed on Thursday after seemingly being put on hold for many months. Businesswoman Amanda Staveley – who helped broker the deal – has outlined her ambitions for the club.

And it seems as though they are aiming high, with plenty of investment in new players expected. Manager Steve Bruce has already stated he feels his days may be numbered.

And a few players will now be looking over their shoulders at the possibility of being moved on. After rallying to finish 12th last term, it has been a tough start to 2021-2022 for the north-east outfit.

Yet to win a Premier League game, they sit 19th in the table with just three points to their name. A number of names have been put forward as possibilities to replace Bruce, with Steven Gerrard the current favourite.

But it is the players who are failing and Bent feels the majority should be sweating on their futures.

Steven Gerrard Rangers v Aberdeen May 2021

“The two players who will be at ease are Callum Wilson and Saint-Maximin,” he told talkSPORT. “They would probably be the last to go but everyone else (should be worried).

“You look at their place in the league table, how could the players in a team that is second from bottom think they’re alright?


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“I don’t think there’s a rush with the goalkeepers Darlow and Dubravka. But the rest of the team won’t be thinking ‘I think I’m alright’ with the team second from bottom.”

Wilson has scored twice from three league outings this term. Saint-Maximin has been the Tynesiders’ best player by far, paying every minute of their seven top-flight matches. He has scored twice and been lively throughout.

Bent feels Gerrard a popular choice

Gerrard has been in charge of Rangers for three seasons. He finally managed to end Celtic’s monopoly of the Scottish Premiership title by winning it in style last season.

The Gers went unbeaten throughout the league campaign to claim their first crown in 10 years. Bent does not feel he is an obvious choice but has the pedigree to succeed.

Steve Bruce Newcastle May 2021

“It’s a strange one because he doesn’t have that much experience but he did a fantastic job at Rangers last year,” he added. “He’s a Premier League legend and he’s on the up in terms that he’s quite new in his managerial career and has had success already.

“I think Newcastle fans would be happy with that.”

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