Howe names trio he wants to stay and reveals duo who can go | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has revealed the three long-serving Newcastle players he wants to keep at the club but two who are free to leave.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea, Howe said he wants to hold onto both Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie, both out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Speaking on Ritchie, who joined from Bournemouth in 2016, he said: “I’ve held various discussions with Matt throughout the season, and, I think, first and foremost, he’s been very committed to Newcastle, and to the team and aims this season.

“I have said I desperately want to keep him next year. He’s had issues surrounding his family, and the distance between him and them.”

On Dummett, who has made over 200 appearances for the club since his debut over 10 years ago, Howe stated: “Again, I hope we can come to an agreement with Paul and he will stay for next year. I think he’s a vital part behind the scenes of our success this year.

“He’s trained superbly, and his commitment to Newcastle is undoubted. We’d love him to extend his stay.”

The last day of the season will see Martin Dúbravka make his first league start of the campaign, with first-choice Nick Pope out following finger surgery, and he is another player Howe wants to keep for next year’s Champions League foray.

“I very much hope his future’s here – I rate Martin very highly, always have done.”

Two players who are not part of Howe’s plans moving forward are returning loan players Isaac Hayden and Jeff Hendrick, who have spent the season at Norwich City and Reading respectively.

“They’ve been great servants for the club, but sometimes you have to make a clear break, really, and focus on the players that are going to be part of our season next year,” added Howe.