The Magpies are looking to balance the books as two more leavers emerge with the January window hotting up

Ben Parkinson made his Premier League debut at Bournemouth in 2023(Image: )

Newcastle United are preparing to say goodbye to two of Eddie Howe’s fringe players in the remainder of the January window. The move comes as the Magpies look to balance the books with PSR still having a big bearing on spending this month and in the next summer window.

After a £200m spend in 2025, Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson are reviewing the squad and in particular those on the fringes, including those who have failed to step up from the Under-21s.

Howe has given the green light for 2023 Premier League debutant Ben Parkinson to leave Tyneside this month. Parkinson was handed a full-time professional deal by Howe two years ago, but after making his debut against AFC Bournemouth, he suffered ankle issues.

My understanding is that Parkinson is in talks with Scottish Premiership side Falkirk with a move to progress his career deemed the best option for the striker. Parkinson had joined Newcastle on pre-season in recent years and trained regularly with the first-team, but pastures new are on the cards for the Durham youngster.

Playing against the likes of Celtic and Rangers could be considered too good an opportunity for Parkinson to turn down.

Newcastle are also getting interest from Birmingham City for 20-year-old Aflie Harrison. The Magpies paid a seven-figure fee for the ex-Man City youngster a couple of years ago when Steve Harper thanked the board for the Yorkshire lad’s arrival and an “undisclosed fee” was mentioned in the official press release.

But Harrison has not had much of an opportunity under Howe and has watched on as youngsters like Sam Alabi have been included in Champions League night squads. Harrison is under contract until the end of the season and could net a small fee for Newcastle if he goes this month.

If not, Harrison could leave on a free transfer with Chronicle Live told that he has a clutch of clubs in England and abroad interested.

Howe’s press conference briefing was interesting today as he also opened up on the likely exit of Jamaal Lascelles when quizzed about the centre-back’s fitness. It is expected that Lascelles, whose exit has been sanctioned by the board if he wants to leave, could be one of the higher-profile sales this month.

When speaking about business, Howe said: “I think there’s a lot that can happen, both ins and outs, depending on how we look as we go towards the end of January.

“I don’t think I could give you an answer to that right now. There may well be players leaving that need to play or loans for their development.”

Reflecting more on club captain Lascelles, Howe said: “There’s a possibility that he could leave as well. Jamaal’s been an incredible servant. He’s a great leader for us behind the scenes. So, let’s wait and see what happens on his future.”

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