The Magpies will be parting ways with long serving skipper Jamaal Lascelles on deadline day
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe could see his squad reduced today(Image: Dave Winter/Shutterstock)
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Newcastle United's longest serving player Jamaal Lascelles has said goodbye to his team-mates after a 12-year stint on Tyneside.
Lascelles is believed to have told his team-mates he is moving on to pastures new and looking forward to a new challenge.
The centre-back is due to sign for Leicester City on deadline day after agreeing a move to the Championship side over the weekend. The Foxes fended off interest from Birmingham City to win a deal for his signature.
Lascelles also had interest from clubs in Turkey's Super Lig but is returning to the East Midlands. The ex-Nottingham Forest's departure is expected to be one of the main headlines from Newcastle on the final day of winter trading.
Howe looks to have won the battle to hold on to two other squad members who have attracted interest in January. The Magpies had an enquiry - via the player's agent - for Joe Willock from Fulham but United don't want to sell as Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are carrying injuries.
Newcastle have also had cash interest in Kieran Trippier - who will see his contract run out later this year - but again Howe won the battle to keep the full-back for the third January window running. Two years ago Howe fought off interest from Bayern Munich for the ex-England man.
And last year there was plenty of interest from the Saudi Pro League for the defender's services. Speaking on squad strength, Howe said last week: "We've always felt we have a really strong squad, and players who can come in and play at the very highest level.
"Hopefully that means everyone feels better about the squad we have. We've always believed in its quality. We've proved we can play without some really big players."
Howe has also refused to loan out Alex Murphy who is wanted by a clutch of EFL clubs. He was handed a cameo at Anfield during the 4-1 defeat.
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