Magpies submit retained list

The club has confirmed that Vurnon Anita, Sammy Ameobi, Lubo Satka and Haris Vuckic will all leave St. James' Park when their contracts expire this summer.

Florian Thauvin has completed a permanent move to Marseille following a loan spell at the Orange Vélodrome.

Youngsters Jamie Holmes, Stefan Broccoli and Ben Smith will also depart, along with Academy players Gideon Adu-Peprah and Daniel Lowther.

Meanwhile, the club has offered new professional contracts to midfielders Sean Longstaff, Dan Ward and Jack Hunter, goalkeeper Paul Woolston, defender Michael Newberry and forwards Tom Heardman and Luke Charman.

Scholars Yannick Aziakonou, Owen Bailey, Owen Gallacher, Nathan Harker, Mackenzie Heaney, Ben Kitchen, Oliver Long, Lewis McNall, Callum Smith, Craig Spooner have also been offered new deals.

Joining the Academy on two-year scholarships are Max Allen, Ryan Barrett, Thomas Cole, Sam Joyce, Deese Kasinga Madia and Jack Young.

The club has opened discussions with Yoan Gouffran’s representatives, which may see the Frenchman extend his stay at St. James' Park.

Manager Rafa Benítez said: "I wish to give sincere thanks to all those players from the first team and at under-23 level who we have made the difficult decision to release this summer.

"In particular to Vurnon Anita, who has served Newcastle United magnificently over the last five years. Vurnon is an outstanding team-player, always working for the team and willing to step into whatever position he was needed to fill. He is an excellent professional and I thank him for every contribution he has made over the years, particularly in my time as manager.

"Yoan Gouffran has been an equally committed and dedicated team-player for this club, as well as a hugely popular member of the squad. 

"I can confirm we are in early stage discussions now with Yoan’s agent to see if there might be a solution that could work for both the player and the club which may see Yoan extend his service to Newcastle United, but we will know more in the coming days.

"Thanks also to Sammy Ameobi, who came back in January and made a contribution to the second half of the season. He was always so positive and did everything he could to help the team achieve success.

"To all those players released by the club today, we wish to thank you for your loyalty and commitment and wish you the very best for your future in football. I say to them all, keep working hard and you will find the success that you seek and deserve."