Newcastle United directors have explained allowing Davide Santon and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to leave.

Club board members, including Lee Charnley and John Irving, met with fans to discuss their concerns.

They are quoted by the Evening Chronicle: "In relation to Davide Santon, with the player having only a year of his contract remaining in the summer, a decision had to be made with regard to his future and the board accepted a loan deal which it did not feel would still be there in the summer window.

"In relation to Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, the board reiterated its view from the previous Forum meeting: the deal was in the best interests of both parties and the player has proven to be better suited to Serie A.

"The board confirmed that it had pursued its first choice defensive targets in summer 2014 and had reached a verbal agreement with a player.

"The deal involving Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa took far longer than anticipated and the target subsequently moved to another club before it could be concluded.

"The board explained that January is a very challenging market for clubs.

"The overall aim is to improve the squad and the club will only move for a player if it is felt they can help to achieve that on a longer-term basis.

"The club continues to assess its squad with a view to the summer transfer window."