A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their transfer plans for the summer...

What's the talk?

According to i News, the Magpies are preparing to cash in on a number of first-team players in the upcoming window in order to streamline the squad.

The report claims that Isaac Hayden, Matt Ritchie and Karl Darlow are among those who are up for sale, whilst the club will also listen to offers for Jamaal Lascelles and Miguel Almiron.

First major disaster for PIF

PIF are now heading for their first major disaster since taking over at the club as selling Lascelles would be a mistake this summer.

They must not cash in on the former Nottingham Forest colossus as he is an important member of the squad, both in terms of what he offers on and off the pitch for Eddie Howe.

He is the current club captain and has been in that role since 2016. This shows that he is a strong voice behind the scenes and is respected by his teammates, as he has maintained his position as the leader in the dressing room over the course of a number of seasons.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports' YouTube channel, winger Ryan Fraser named the skipper as the strongest player in the squad and claimed that he "eats weights" in the gym.

The £55k-per-week gem has shown off his strength in the Premier League for the Magpies this season. He has won an outstanding 73% of his aerial battles in the division as he has been able to dominate opposition forwards in the air.

For context, 6 foot 6 Dan Burn has won 66% of his aerial battles in the top-flight for Brighton and Newcastle. This illustrates just how impressive Lascelles' success in that part of his game is, given that is four inches shorter than the January signing.

Therefore, selling the centre-back would mean that Howe loses an important voice in the dressing room and an experienced, solid, option on the pitch. Whilst he may not be a starter at the moment, with Fabian Schar and Burn ahead of him, he can still be a useful alternative for the head coach off the bench and continue to use his leadership to help the players behind the scenes.

This is why it would be a major disaster to let him go this summer and PIF must ensure that he remains at St. James' Park next season.

AND in other news, Insider: PIF "aiming" to make major Newcastle signing that'll leave supporters elated...