Several Magpies players have work to do to shift their standing within the squad

Newcastle United should look to move on five players from the current squad – with big questions asked about some key members of Eddie Howe’s squad.

That’s the clear verdict from our latest ‘keep or sell’ poll, which invited Magpies fans to select either of those two outcomes for the current crop of players.

While many emerged with healthy backing from the fans, there were some interesting and potentially worrying results for some, with work needing to be done by many to change fans’ minds.

One big concern would be that it includes three summer signings – Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Jacob Ramsey, who have failed to impress the fanbase so far.

Here’s the rundown of results and the key points.

The Expendables

Six players fall under the ‘to sell’ category by getting less that 50 per cent backing to stay at St James’. Of those, Harrison Ashby has already left on loan to Bradford City.

Jamaal Lascelles’ time at St James’ Park appears to be almost at an end, with the club captain set to leave, and that’s reflected in just 6.3 per cent of fans wanting him to stay. West Ham are said to be interested.

However, the two standout results are those or Joe Willock and Anthony Elanga. United have only just spent £55m to bring Swedish winger Elanga to Tyneside from Nottingham Forest, but he only managed 48.6 per cent backing, while former Arsenal mifielder Willock had a lowly 14.3 per cent.

Elanga has struggled to establish himself in the side, although it is highly unlikely he will be moved on at this stage, while Willock has not had regular first-team football for several seasons now.

It would be a huge call to cash in on either, but it appears most fans would not be sorry to see them go.

Emil Krafth and Will Osula also fall into the ‘sell’ box, with Danish striker Osula linked with a loan move to Germany.

The must-keeps

The good news is that a large portion of the squad remain key players in the eyes of the fans. A total of 11 players had an approval rating of above 90 per cent, which is encouraging.

The leaderboard is a sign of who has impressed this term, with local youngster Lewis Miley leading the field with 99 per cent backing, just ahead of Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall.

It’s no surprise to see Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali feature highly, while Harvey Barnes’ approval rating has grown after his goal exploits this season.

Overall, it’s a healthy picture for the majority of the squad.

The big question marks

The survey has thrown up some interesting results, and potential questions for some players to answer. Anthony Gordon, for instance, appears to be a shoo-in for Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad, but has only received 80.2 per cent backing to stay at Newcastle.

Clearly that is a large majority in favour, but a significant drop from previous surveys. Perhaps it’s the contast between what many fans believe he can deliver and what they see on the pitch, but the former Everton man has people to convince.

Kieran Trippier comes in with a low score of just 51.7 per cent backing, almost in the ‘sell’ section, while both goalkeepers have not rated highly.

No 1 Nick Pope is down to 71.9 per cent, while on loan shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale is further back with 55.6 per cent backing.

Another summer signing, Jacob Ramsey continues to split opinion, with only 70.5 per cent of those who took the survey feeling he’s one to persevere with.

Transfer message

So what does this tell us about Newcastle’s transfer priorities. Due to injuries, the backline will be the main focus in January for good reason.

But United’s dilemma is plain to see when you consider the majority of the defence remain popular with the supporters thanks to their impressive performances on the pitch.

From these results, it’s the flanks which need attention, with only Barnes emerging with plenty of credit, and Gordon needing to impress.

Full results – players to keep

• Miley 99.0%
• Thiaw 98.4%
• Hall 98.5%
• Guimaraes 97.9%
• Barnes 97.8%
• Tonali 97.0%
• Livramento 96.1%
• Joelinton 93.1%
• Botman 92.9%
• Burn 91.5%
• Woltemade 90.8%
• Wissa 89.8%
• Schar 83.1%
• Gordon 80.2%
• J Murphy 78.3%
• Pope 71.9%
• Ramsey 70.5%
• A Murphy 67.1%
• Ramsdale 55.6%
• Trippier 51.7%

Players to sell (under 50% keep)

• Elanga 48.6%
• Osula 38.3%
• Krafth 27.6%
• Ashby 15.6%
• Willock 14.3%
• Lascelles 6.3%