NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed the departure of five first-team players - including their longest-serving star.
Experienced duo Paul Dummett, 32, and Matt Ritchie, 34, are both leaving once their contracts expire next month.
The pair have made almost 450 appearances for the Magpies - who missed out on European qualification after Manchester United won the FA Cup.
Dummett was the club’s longest-serving player having joined their academy aged nine.
The Welsh international defender made his debut in January 2013 and made 215 appearances for his hometown team.
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Ritchie joined from Bournemouth in 2016 and, alongside Dummett, played a huge role in Rafa Benitez’s Championship-winning side that season.
The Scottish ace scored 25 goals in 215 matches for the North East side.
Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is also heading out of the St. James’ Park exit door after 18 months on Tyneside.
The German, 30, made his debut in last season’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United with his only other outing coming in the 4-1 defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League back in February.
Midfielder Jeff Hendrick, 32, will also leave Newcastle after four years.
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The Republic of Ireland ace joined as a free agent from Burnley but only made 27 appearances and scored three times for the Toon.
He has been shipped out on loan to QPR and Reading before spending this campaign on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
Another academy graduate, defender Kell Watts, is being released to.
The 24-year-old began training with the club’s academy aged eight and he appeared once in the Premier League.
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But he has played 100 times in the football League after loan stints with Stevenage, Mansfield Town, Plymouth Argyle, Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “I'd like to say a huge thank you to each of the players leaving the club this summer.
“They have all given so much to the cause in their own ways, and I know our supporters will join me in wishing them every success with the next step in their careers.
“It's easy to judge players by appearances and goals, but the contribution made to the club by Paul and Matt in particular really has been immeasurable over many years.
“They have had a huge influence on our progress as a team and as a club.
“They have been incredible people and players to work with. Their dedication, professionalism and leadership in the dressing room during my time here has been first class, and they will bring undoubted quality and experience to their next clubs.
“It's also a significant moment for Kell, who has been with the club since he was eight. Kell is a top professional with an outstanding attitude, and his next club will be incredibly fortunate to have him.
“I wish the players and their families the very best for the future.”
Meanwhile, six academy players are also being released - including one who recently made their Premier League debut.
Matty Bondswell, Kyle Crossley, Amadou Diallo, Jordan Hackett, Michael Ndiweni and Jude Smith are all looking for a new club.
Diallo, 21, came off the bench against Chelsea in November for his first taste of top-flight action.
