Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has hinted that on loan West Brom duo Dwight Gayle and Jacob Murphy could both still have futures at St James' Park.

Gayle has found the net 17 times in 33 appearances during his season long loan with the Baggies, with Murphy joining his Newcastle teammate at The Hawthorns in January - he has made nine appearances for the Midlands side so far.

Both had been rumoured as potential makeweights in a possible permanent swap deal for Salomon Rondon, who is currently on loan at St James' Park, but Benitez is not convinced either Gayle or Murphy's time in the North East is over, saying both have to be considered for next season.

Speaking to The Chronicle about Murphy, Benitez claimed: "He needed to play, obviously young players need to play and get experience.

"And it was difficult for him here.

"He is a nice lad and a good professional so hopefully he can do well and then we will consider his future."

On Gayle, the Spaniard added: "Dwight is doing really well.

"It's good when players are doing well for their teams and you have to consider them for the future.

"OK, you never know what can happen but it's good when they are doing well and enjoying themselves."

Gayle had been a regular feature for Newcastle in two seasons prior to his loan, making over 70 appearances for the Magpies, though Murphy had struggled for game time in this his second season at Newcastle, making just nine league appearances before his January loan to the Hawthorns.

The Verdict

While these two have both impressed in the Championship this season, neither have really convinced during their time in the Premier League with Newcastle.

At most clubs that would be bad news for those in question, but with Newcastle's spending record (or lack of), there may yet be a way back in at St James' for Gayle and Murphy.

Thoughts? Let us know!