NEWCASTLE UNITED are ready to let out-of-favour full-backs Jesus Gamez and Massadio Haidara leave for nothing this summer.

The Northern Echo understands the Magpies are yet to open discussions over a new contract with either player, paving the way for them to depart at the end of their deals.

The pair’s current deals are due to expire at the end of June and Rafael Benitez is not considering keeping them having overlooked them this season.

There have been injury problems for both to contend with along the way, but Benitez will be prepared to let them leave as free agents rather than hand them fresh terms.

Gamez has not appeared for Newcastle since September 24 when he was a substitute against Brighton; 14 days earlier he made his only league start of the season in the win at Swansea.

Since moving from Atletico Madrid on a two-year deal in the summer of 2016, the Spanish defender has only started three league games and appeared a further four times from the bench.

The 32-year-old was one of Benitez’s earliest signings during his first summer transfer window in charge, as he looked to prepare Newcastle for a promotion charge from the Championship – and he did.

Haidara’s opportunities have been even more non-existent this season. The 25-year-old’s only outing was when he started the 3-0 defeat at Chelsea in the FA Cup in January.

The French defender arrived from Nancy for £2m in 2013 and initially became a hot prospect with some stirring displays down the left, only for a serious injury to restrict his progress.

Initially he was sidelined by a horror tackle from Wigan’s Callum McManaman, now Sunderland, a few months after moving to Tyneside. Then he was rocked by a groin injury during Steve McClaren’s time in charge and he spent ten months on the sidelines after knee surgery in 2016.

His only league appearance in the last two seasons was when he was used as an early substitute on the final day of the last campaign against Barnsley, and there are no plans in place for him land a new deal this summer.

Former Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer, meanwhile, will remain in charge of Charlton Athletic until the end of the season.

Since being appointed caretaker manager, Bowyer and has won his first three games in charge of the League One club – lifting them into the play-off places.