Newcastle United

Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren wants squad of 20 players

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 01 August 2015

Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren says that he wants to trim his squad to 20 players by the end of the transfer window for the 2015-16 season.

Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has outlined his plan to trim his squad to 20 players before the end of the transfer window.

The 54-year-old became the Magpies' manager in June when he replaced John Carver, and has strengthened his squad with the additions of Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba.

However, the former England boss has confessed that several players will be leaving the club in the near future due to his desire to work with a smaller squad for the upcoming campaign.

"I think the key thing is come in and give everybody a chance, and I think that's what we've done," McClaren told reporters.

"Some have done really well and some have disappointed. You're finding out about them. I'm delighted with the work they've put in.

"Now, we'll sit down and assess the squad and try and think about 18 or 20 players. That's who'll we'll pick from - they're the ones - and we'll decide on where the others go. Some will go out on loan, some we'll try to sell. I think that conversation will come about very soon."

Newcastle open the Premier League season against Southampton on August 9.