Newcastle transfer news: Eddie Howe sells midfielder to make room for Kalvin Phillips

Those who keep up to date with Newcastle transfer news will be aware of the name Kalvin Phillips, who is the centrepiece for Eddie Howe's midfield plans. But, how is there going to be room in the squad for a player like Kalvin Phillips to come in? After all, we have plenty of midfielders on the books and Phillips is signing to be a first-team player, nothing less.

Newcastle transfer news: Eddie Howe sells midfielder to make room for Kalvin Phillips

Well, according to an update from journalist Luke Edwards (via the BBC Transfer Gossip Daily Podcast), Newcastle plan to move on a few players to make room in the squad, with a possibility that Isaac Hayden will move to Sheffield United, freeing up space on the books and pleasing FFP observers before Phillips comes in. Two other players mentioned by Edwards are fringe duo Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett.

It makes sense that the club are willing to move on fringe players, particularly Issac Hayden who some people may have even forgotten about. In case you missed it, the Standard Liege CEO (where Hayden is on loan from Newcastle) has essentially confirmed there's no place for him in the squad and he will return to Newcastle to become Eddie Howe's problem.

While I seemed optimistic that there may be a place in the St James Park squad for Isaac Hayden, it seems that Howe has other plans as he is set to sell the struggling midfielder to make up some space for Phillips' arrival. It makes sense - Unfortunately, Hayden has never lived up to his potential and the level of Sheffield United matches him more than Newcastle at this stage.

Newcastle face Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend so it's unlikely a deal will be struck before then, but according to reports, talks are "ongoing".

What do you make of today's Newcastle transfer news?