Eddie Howe with Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson
Eddie Howe with Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson
Newcastle United released their retained list on Friday and let's be honest, it was pretty much as expected. No shocks, no dramas.
Or so you'd think. The mention of potential new deals for Callum Wilson and John Ruddy have certainly triggered some fans.
Wilson's contract situation has long been reported on. Out of contract, he hasn't done enough to trigger an automatic renewal but instead, the club have opened negotiations over a fresh deal on significantly reduced terms.
It's unlikely to be enough to persuade him to stay at St James' Park. At 33, Wilson understandably doesn't want to spend the last couple of years he has left being sat on the bench, particularly when he's missed so much football already.
Of course, a Champions League campaign - even if he was to be a bit-part player - will be attractive to the veteran. Last time around, injuries curtailed his involvement - substitute appearances at the San Siro and in Dortmund, and a start at home against the Germans where he lasted just 45 minutes.
Though he'd be unlikely to play more than that in next season's tournament even with a new deal.
United's statement that they are discussing a contract with Wilson saw a number of fans bemused and upset, but what shouldn't be forgotten is that even if the striker does stay, it won't be at the expense of a new forward signing this summer. Newcastle remain dedicated to bringing in another frontman to challenge Alexander Isak regardless of Wilson's situation.
But this is a fanbase still scarred by Mike Ashley's regime. Some people have long memories and as much as we all try to it will take a while to forget about Shefki Kuqi, Antoine Sibierski Facundo Ferrerya and Seydou Doumbia.
Woeful windows and bargain buckets are (hopefully) behind this regime. If Eddie Howe wants to keep Wilson and Ruddy, in a similar manner to what he did with Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie two years ago, he has earned the right, surely.
It won't impact on United's business this summer. They will sign a new striker and they will bring in a new goalkeeper it seems. Ruddy remains likely to leave, as will one of Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka or Odysseas Vlachodimos, freeing up space for an arrival, possibly in the shape of James Trafford.
Howe admits Newcastle have been top heavy on the goalkeeping front and Mark Gillespie's extension means they remain high in numbers but even if Ruddy remains with some form of coaching/mentor role, it won't impact on the first team.
Channelling his inner Tom Cruise after the last game of the season, Howe stressed his need for speed. Newcastle's own Top Gun sent a clear message to the hierarchy that signings have to be completed quickly.
That remains the case but until they get signings over the line, it's just good management to keep their options open.
The bigger picture is that this is a regime that has so far barely put a foot wrong when it comes to transfer business. Trust has to be earned, and Howe & Co have certainly done that.