Newcastle retained list as Matt Ritchie stays & exits confirmed

But the Magpies have released Ciaran Clark and Matt Longstaff, though the young midfielder will be allowed to stay with the club as he continues his rehab from a serious knee injury.

As well as offering Karius a new deal, Newcastle have also taken an option to extend fellow goalkeeper Mark Gillespie’s contract for another year, while defender Dan Burn has activated a further year on his contract based on appearances.

Chris Wood’s permanent move to Nottingham Forest will go through on July 1 after the striker spent the second half of the season on loan at the City Ground.

The decision to extend Ritchie’s contract comes despite the experienced midfielder getting only 35 minutes of Premier League action last season and not starting a single game.

Despite being on the fringes of the first team, Ritchie has a pivotal role in the dressing room and boss Eddie Howe was desperate to keep the 33-year-old.

The head coach said last month: “He’s been hugely important behind the scenes, he’s a really good role model for the younger players, how to conduct yourself and how to act. He’s used his leadership really effectively.”

Dummett, who has an offer from Newcastle on the table, is another player who Howe is determined to keep despite his lack of action.

“I see Paul as part of our future,” said Howe recently.

“When you build a squad, you’re never going to be able to play everybody within that squad for the amount of time that maybe they want to, so you need players that are prepared to fight for their place, train really well and have a really good effect on the group.”

Karius, meanwhile, is currently weighing up his options. The former Liverpool keeper’s only Newcastle appearance came in the Carabao Cup final. However, with Karl Darlow set to leave this summer, Howe wants to keep Karius – even though he’ll again be third choice next season unless Martin Dubravka moves on.

Clark leaves Newcastle on the back of a season spent on loan at Sheffield United and is keen on making his switch to the Blades permanent after helping Paul Heckingbottom’s side win promotion to the Premier League.

Longstaff, who famously scored the winner against Manchester United on his debut, faces an uncertain future after his release. He’s spent time on loan with Aberdeen, Mansfield and Colchester, with his most recent stint cut short after the midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Newcastle will continue to support the 23-year-old back to full fitness despite his release.

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The Magpies have confirmed the exits of academy youngsters Harry Barclay, Niall Brookwell, Dan Langley, Joe Oliver, Josh Stewart and Isaac Westendorf.

Amadou Diallo and Michael Ndiweni have had their contracts extended, while new deals have been tabled to Will Brown, Nathan Carlyon, Kyle Crossley, James Huntley, Jamie Miley and Josh Scott.

Second-year scholars Ben Parkinson and Ciaran Thompson have agreed professional contracts while Eden Page has taken the option of a third-year scholarship as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.

Beau Beresford, Steven Bessent, Lucas Cooper, Callum McNally and Nathan Nkunku will leave the academy this summer.