Newcastle’s Vurnon Anita and Yoan Gouffran expected to leave St James’ Park

Premier League-bound Newcastle United are set to allow Vurnon Anita and Yoan Gouffran to leave the club this summer, according to The Chronicle.

28-year-old Anita moved to the North East from Ajax back in 2012, but managed just 24 Championship starts in the Magpies’ run to the title, only ten of which came in 2017.

Whereas midfielder Gouffran, a Magpie since his move from Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux back in 2013, earned 33 starts under Rafa Benitez this term, and netted five times and laid on three assists to help the club secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

However, reports suggest that both men will be allowed to leave St James’ Park this summer as Benitez looks to build a side capable of competing in the top tier next season.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss led the club to 29 wins from their 46 Championship games to secure automatic promotion from the second tier, and although he has spoken of acquiring top-flight experience ahead of next term, it doesn’t appear that either Anita or Gouffran are in his plans.

Thus, this summer looks set to bring the curtain down on their Newcastle careers, with Anita managing 155 appearances for the North East giants, bagging three goals, while Gouffran appeared 19 times fewer than the 28-year-old, but netted 19 goals in his four-year stay on Tyneside.