Newcastle had some long serving campaigners back for day one of pre-season but will they be back by the end?
Lewis Hall of Newcastle United
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Newcastle United welcomed back three players who have found themselves thrust into the headlines amid what has been an at times anxious window on Tyneside.
But some slight assurances were there for all to see on the first day of pre-season training at the KNOX as Eddie Howe tries to settle his squad down ahead of a big season at St James' Park.
Howe looked relieved to be back in the building as the countdown started on an important follow-up campaign after last season's slump to 12th place.
It will be a summer of change at Newcastle, with Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali sold, and old favourites like Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth having been released.
Despite intense speculation linking some Newcastle stars with a summer move, the likes of Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock and Lewis Hall were all back to report for day one of the summer preparations. Here we assessed the chances of any of the trio joining some of their former team-mates and heading out the exit door.
Lewis Hall
Talk of a bust-up between the left-back and Eddie Howe was slammed moments after a rumour erupted earlier in pre-season.
Hall was not a guaranteed starter towards the end of the season and even ended up being used as a right-back in some games, but then missed out on the World Cup squad.
Club insiders insisted there had been no bust-up between the player and that he has started afresh with no issues on day one of pre-season.
Hall was smiling as he linked up with team-mates, and while he will be gutted to be missing out on England's World Cup adventure in the States, Howe maintains an excellent relationship with Hall and has made it clear he wants him here for 'years to come', dismissing talk of Man United.
His main aim will be to get Hall back into England contention for the UEFA Nations League campaign, which kicks off in the autumn.
Joe Willock
Linked with Fulham in the last couple of years, Willock does not want to leave Newcastle and is determined to fight for a spot in midfield.
With Tonali now gone, he may be looking to prove a few people wrong, and despite those links of a summer exit and talk that he is on a list of players who could be sold, the ex-Arsenal man just wants to get his head down and show what he can do.
At 26, he still has something to offer but will be aware of Newcastle's need to trade and the fact he has one year left on his deal makes him a possible candidate to go.
Jacob Murphy
The player's agent has been contacted about interest from Everton and he is another star heading into his last year. However, he is arguably worth keeping and brings so much experience to the table, when in form Murphy is a real threat.
Inconsistency dented his season last term and it could be an interesting few weeks if the Toffees do come up with a cash bid.
Nevertheless, he was back with a smile on his face and a new haircut for the start of pre-season, whether he ends it on Tyneside remains to be seen.
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