£20m down the drain: Shocking NUFC outcast has been stealing a living for 80 weeks - opinion

As Newcastle United continue to rebuild under Eddie Howe, attentions will slowly be turning towards what promises to be a very exciting summer transfer window.

The Magpies will no doubt embark on a spending spree backed by their new mega-rich owners, but it will also raise some serious questions about the futures of a number of under-performing players still on Tyneside – not least Jamal Lewis.

The 24-year-old has unfortunately had an injury-ravaged time at St James’ Park, making just 32 appearances in total since moving across from Norwich in September 2020 – that was in part one of the big reasons why Howe decided to leave him out of the Magpies’ Premier League squad for the second-half of the season.

Speaking after taking that decision, the Magpies boss said: “Jamal has been struggling with a long-term groin injury for probably the last year. He’s been fit, but not 100% fit. As I say, he’s not been quite right, and I felt that was the right decision.”

And, according to recent reports, Newcastle are now willing to part ways with the Northern Ireland international for a fee in the region of £8m.

Given they signed him for around £15m, that would be a pretty substantial loss to take, even with the Tyneside club under new cash-rich owners.

With his transfer fee, and the fact he’s reportedly earning around £50k-a-week, Lewis has cost Newcastle a whopping £20m over the 80 weeks he has been at the club.

It was no surprise then that in January, the Magpies opted to bring in Matt Targett from Aston Villa as a new left-back, and the 26-year-old has since established himself as as a regular starter for Howe, playing the full 90 minutes in the past six Premier League games.

Newcastle also have the option to sign Targett on a