Keegan hands free transfers to three

12:21pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

KEVIN Keegan has begun his summer rebuilding project by telling Peter Ramage, Stephen Carr and James Troisi they will not be offered a new contract next month.

The trio, all of whom are out of contract in June, will spend the summer looking for new employers as Keegan begins to alter the squad he inherited from Sam Allardyce in January.

Lamine Diatta is also expected to leave St James' Park when his short-term contract expires at the end of the season, and Emre's days as a Newcastle player look numbered after he was given permission to miss this weekend's game at Everton in order to link up with the Turkey squad ahead of this summer's European Championships.

Ramage's departure is the biggest surprise in yesterday's news, with the 24-year-old having had little chance to impress Keegan following a cruciate ligament injury last August.

The Easington-born defender discussed a possible new deal earlier this month but, with his firstteam chances likely to be limited next season, has opted to look elsewhere.

"We wanted to keep Rammy, but he wants to play regular football and I couldn't guarantee that here," said Keegan.

Ramage, who has already been linked with QPR and Wolves, made 68 senior outings after progressing from the Magpies' Academy, with his versatility enabling him to play in every position in the club's back four.

His exit will be greeted with disappointment by the club's supporters, something that cannot be said for the departure of Carr. The Republic of Ireland international might have made 107 appearances and scored one goal following a £2m move from Tottenham in August 2004, but regular injuries and a surly demeanour prevented him from becoming a fans' favourite.

He started the current campaign as Newcastle's first-choice right-back, but has found himself pushed to the sidelines following Habib Beye's arrival from Marseille.

He has been linked with a possible move to West Ham, but Scottish side Celtic currently lead the chase for his signature.

Troisi came close to joining Dutch side Roda earlier this season, and will put himself in the shop window when he represents his native Australia at this summer's Olympic Games.

The 19-year-old has featured on Newcastle's bench on a number of occasions, but will leave Tyneside without having made a senior appearance for the club.

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