Journalist now says 'unbelievable' 30-year-old Newcastle United player is fighting for his future at St James' Park

We aren't expecting any 'big' departures from Newcastle United this summer, with bolstering the squad being the aim, but a few 'fringe' players could be moved on.

The likes of Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff have struggled for minutes this season for varying reasons, and both are expected to leave the club at the end of the season, but in interviews, Eddie Howe has often left the door open for them to prove themselves worthy of sticking around.

We still don't really know what's going on with Kieran Trippier, who has been edging towards the exit for a year now, but a recent run in the side and a resurgence in form have given us all pause for thought, and now many would want the 34-year-old to stick around.

Nick Pope is still Newcastle United's number 1, but it's no secret that the Magpies are looking at fresh blood between the sticks, and as such, Pope's position in the squad is under threat.

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Mark Douglas has identified Jacob Murphy as a player fighting for his future

The aforementioned foursome have been identified as players whose futures are under threat at Newcastle by Mark Douglas writing for the iPaper, but Douglas has also thrown in a surprise fifth option in the form of 30-year-old winger Jacob Murphy who is enjoying the best season of his career, but it seems there is method in the madness from Douglas.

"Given his nature, he’d want to be included in this list. Truth is Newcastle want a right winger – as they have done for two years – but Murphy, targeting England honours, will be a big part of next season’s squad."

Murphy has been hailed as 'unbelievable' many times this season by pundits and teammates alike, and we doubt his place is at risk at all. Eddie Howe absolutely adores him and the coaching staff have often said he's the hardest grafter in training.

Newcastle need someone to compete with Jacob Murphy for a place in the starting XI

Newcastle are in the hunt for a new right-winger, but given Jacob Murphy is our only recognised right-sided forward at the club, it's not a case of replacing him as much as it is giving him a new challenge.

Miguel Almiron returned to the MLS with Atlanta United in January, and Jacob Murphy has had an unchallenged run on the side ever since. Thankfully, the 30-year-old didn't take that as a cue to lower his standards.

There could be a genuine mini-outrage if Newcastle were to sell Murphy this summer after the season he's had.