• Defender one of five players who have been told they can leave • Brighton’s Lewis Dunk and Sam Byram of Leeds under consideration

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Mike Williamson is one of five players made available for transfer by Steve McClaren at Newcastle United. The long-serving 31-year-old centre-half is interesting his old manager Chris Hughton at Brighton and a potential player exchange with Lewis Dunk has been discussed.

Aged 23 and standing 6ft 4in, Dunk is the sort of centre-half Newcastle are currently seeking. Williamson, though, is also interesting Leeds United, where McClaren’s staff have been watching Sam Byram, the highly-rated England Under-20 right-back.

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The other players on the way out at St James’ Park – although finding clubs to match their current wages could be a problem – are Yoan Gouffran, Mehdi Abeid, Gaël Bigirimana and Haris Vuckic.

One player definitely staying put is Steven Taylor with McClaren hoping the central defender will compete strongly with Fabricio Coloccini and new signing Chancel Mbemba for a first-team place this season. Taylor’s progress has been impeded by injuries in recent years but the new manager is a fan.

“I like Steven, I’ve known him since he was a young kid,” said McClaren. “Keep him fit and he’s tremendous. He’s a leader. You want him in the dressing room – and on the pitch.”