JUST IN: Honest Admission has seven more tough transfer calls to make as 18 Newcastle United stars exit

Newcastle United has initiated their summer transfer overhaul by releasing 18 players, including five senior players and 13 youth prospects, whose contracts expire in June.

However, the club may not be done yet, as several fringe players on high salaries could also be let go in the coming months. Isaac Hayden and Ryan Fraser are two players who have no future under manager Eddie Howe, having spent the season on loan in the Championship.

Fraser, who has a year left on his contract, has expressed his desire to join Southampton permanently, following a public disagreement with Howe last season.

Newcastle United is actively seeking to offload several senior players to free up funds for new signings. Isaac Hayden, who has been on loan at various clubs since being informed he had no future at Newcastle, still has two years left on his contract. The club is eager to get him off the wage bill to make room for incoming deals.

Jamal Lewis, who has struggled to find form at Newcastle, spent time on loan at Watford but failed to revive his career. It is unlikely Watford will pursue a permanent deal for the left-back.

Additionally, doubts surround the futures of senior players Martin Dubravka and Matt Targett. Dubravka, 35, is expected to drop down the pecking order after regaining his starting spot in the second half of the season. His agent hinted at a potential new challenge in January, suggesting he might be open to a transfer.

Targett, who suffered a serious hamstring injury in December, has lost his starting spot to Dan Burn and now faces competition from Lewis Hall for a role on the left side of the defense. With a significant salary following his 2022 move to Newcastle, he could be tempted by a move away if serious interest arises.

Harrison Ashby, who returned from a loan spell at Swansea City, featured in Newcastle’s recent trip to Australia but faces stiff competition from Tino Livramento at right-back. Ashby’s future at Newcastle is uncertain, and he might be another player to be released in the summer transfer market.