Relegation will force Newcastle into massive player sale

Newcastle United face a massive clearout if they suffer relegation, it has been revealed.

The Telegraph says Toon owner Mike Ashley and his board have never budgeted for relegation this season their only answer to keeping the club afloat would be massive sales.

With a 33-strong first-team squad compiled by four different managers lacking both balance and re-sale value the outlook is bleak. There are some straightforward cuts to be made. Michael Owen, who takes home 10 per cent of the wage bill, and Mark Viduka are in the final year of contracts and would together cut £9 million in wages.

Nicky Butt, Damien Duff, Alan Smith, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton are all on around £3 million-a-year and are tied in beyond next season. They are unlikely to recoup the £23 million spent buying them.

Obafemi Martins (£10 million) will have some admirers, but Jonas Gutierrez (£9 million), Xisco (£5 million) and Fabricio Coloccini (£10 million) are likely to depart at a loss.