Report claims several of Newcastle United's big stars have been 'unsettled' this season

Newcastle United have looked like a different team this season, and not in a good way and it is starting to feel like Eddie Howe is running out of ideas.

We don't want to overreact and go as far as to say it seems like the players don't care, because that's far from the truth. The endeavour is there for the most part, it's just the ideas and the confidence that seem to be missing.

After scoring over 80 goals last season, Newcastle seem to have forgotten where the nets are this season, or at least forgetting that possession doesn't win points.

Now, The Telegraph has reported that several of Newcastle's big stars have been 'unsettled' at the club this season which could be affecting performances.

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Newcastle's elite are distracted by promises of higher wages and Champions League

The report writes how the thoughts of higher wages elsewhere are starting to turn the heads of our biggest stars.

"Several of their elite group have been unsettled this season and Howe has had a tough job to keep them focused and motivated when they know they can earn more money elsewhere and have a better chance of playing in the Champions League every season."

We're not buying it, though. It's the media that drives these things for the most part. They're the ones creating endless transfer rumours about Alexander Isak moving to Arsenal and Bruno Guimaraes heading to Manchester City and that's probably where the real distraction ends.

The argument can be made for both sides but it's the players who hold their fate in their own hands

Bruno and Anthony Gordon have just signed new contracts, if they weren't happy with the wages on offer, they simply wouldn't have signed up. Alexander Isak's situation is a bit different, but even his issues seem to be coming more from his representatives than the player himself.

The Champions League football thing probably holds some weight, but they have the opportunity to play Champions League football with Newcastle if they pull their fingers out and stop playing like a struggling Championship side.

They can't complain about not playing in the Champions League when their own performances aren't worthy of it. Yes, Newcastle's squad is lacking quality to compete year on year in the Champions League, but they've already proven once that they are good enough to get there if they pull together.

Granted, other sides have improved while we've stagnated, and that in itself is likely a cause for concern for some of these players but they know the task ahead of them, they're aware of the reality.

Whether the Telegraph's report is accurate or not, their fate lies in their own hands.