Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew will seek to trim his squad during preseason.

The Journal says it is more likely to be fringe squad men who are following Danny Simpson and Steve Harper through the exit door with Newcastle prepared to listen for offers for the likes of Mike Williamson and midfielder Dan Gosling. They will also use pre-season to judge whether Sammy Ameobi, Shane Ferguson, James Tavernier and the returning Haris Vuckic have made enough progress to give them a chance of playing any part in the first-team squad.

Middlesbrough are interested in taking Ameobi on loan again next season.