Journalist now says Newcastle United may opt against offering £20m hitman contract extension this season

Newcastle United have a fistful of players whose contracts are expiring in the summer with some more likely than others to be given a contract extension.

There are around eight players whose deals expire in the summer, and with Newcastle's squad being as threadbare as it is already, allowing all of them to leave, regardless of status, could be a bad move.

We expect that Newcastle will be heavily recruiting in the summer window, but they already need at least three players in before replacing any of the likely departures at the end of the season. It's going to be a huge task.

Three goalkeepers could walk away from the club - John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie and Martin Dubravka all have expiring deals. Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar are all in the same boat, which is the bulk of our defence, although Krafth and Schar are in discussions over new deals.

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Chris Waugh believes Newcastle will opt against offering Callum Wilson a new contract

Perhaps the most difficult one to call is Callum Wilson. The striker finally returned from injury at the weekend and got himself on the scoresheet.

The 32-year-old has had more than his fair share of injury problems, but when he's fully fit he's one of the most prolific marksmen in the league, so now Newcastle have to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons, with The Athletic's Chris Waugh under the impression that they will lean towards letting him go.

"Newcastle have an option available which allows them to unilaterally extend Callum Wilson’s contract by a year. But given he is 32, has a poor injury record and is a significant earner, the suspicion is they will opt against doing so, though no decision has been taken and Newcastle have until the end of the season before they must make a call. After scoring against Birmingham City in the FA Cup, Wilson once again showed what a threat he is when he is fit — and he is determined to prove he warrants a fresh deal."

Eddie Howe will be keen to retain the services of Callum Wilson

We can't see beyond Eddie Howe putting his foot down and insisting he stays, so there's likely to be a tussle between him and Paul Mitchell over what to do.

Callum Wilson is now literally playing for his future, as if he scores whenever he's played, then it would be nigh-on impossible for Newcastle to let him go.

It's all about his fitness, though. His ability has never been in question, it's all about his availability. If he can stay fit between now and the summer, then by all means, hook him up with an extension. Otherwise, give him the thanks he deserves and let him leave.