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Is anyone really untouchable at Newcastle United?

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Jammal Lascelles and DeAndre Yedlin of Newcastle United all smiles at the final whistle as Newcastle won 1-0 during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Jammal Lascelles and DeAndre Yedlin of Newcastle United all smiles at the final whistle as Newcastle won 1-0 during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Approaching what will be an important summer transfer window, is any player off limits at Newcastle United?

With Newcastle United close to securing their safety, this summer transfer window will be vital to the club. They will need to add talented players to not only stay afloat in the Premier League but also to improve on this season. On the other end of the spectrum, the Magpies may need to sell some of their players to help fund the transfer budget. When it comes to selling, is there truly a Newcastle United player that isn’t for sale?

In my opinion, there are only three possible untouchable players. The number one player not for sale is Jamaal Lascelles. While the captain has multiple clubs across the EPL interested, losing him would be devastating for NUFC. He’s a natural leader of men and a top central defender. In his short time with the club, he’s been the heart and soul of a team desperately looking for it.

The second untouchable player would be DeAndre Yedlin. Like Lascelles, Yedlin is only 24 years old and serves as a key player for the club. He’s one of the fastest players in the entire EPL and is consistently improving defensively. When the lineup is announced each match, there is little doubt that Yedlin will be the starting right-back.

Third, and definitely the most questionable, would be Jonjo Shelvey. When in form, as he has been in recent months, the midfielder is elite. He has game-changing vision and passing ability. However, Shelvey has a lot of baggage. At times in the past, he’s seemed disinterested and didn’t impact the match. Also, he’s a hothead and has been suspended on multiple occasions. Depending on which Shelvey is around at the time, he could be untouchable or very much in play for a transfer out of Tyneside.

One player on the fringe of untouchable would be Paul Dummett. He’s a product of the Newcastle United system and is a very consistent performer. He’s not flashy, but he plays his part for the club.

Next: Ten free agents NUFC could target this summer

Outside of those players, Newcastle United could be open to selling fringe players this summer to help bring in more impact players. In all fairness, if a massive money offer comes across for any of the untouchable players, the club still may be willing to sell them. Mike Ashley, as long as he remains the owner, will always prefer buy players with money from player sales rather than from his own pocketbook.