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Steve McClaren has revealed there will be a cut-off point ahead of the new season for Newcastle United.

The Toon chief was given three weeks to assess the current squad at the start of the month and will soon report back to managing- director Lee Charnley with his findings.

McClaren has indicated there are likely to be exits before the season kicks off and it means it is decision time for squad players like Shane Ferguson, Gael Bigirimana, Haris Vuckic, Mehdi Abeid and Olivier Kemen.

Newcastle are also in the hunt for another forward and a centre-back with their success on the recruitment front likely to have a big impact on the futures of Papiss Cisse and Mike Williamson.

Next week will also be make or break for Fabricio Coloccini, the Argentina international yet to kick a ball for the Magpies this summer.

McClaren has stated he wants to keep Coloccini but the player is thought to be unsettled and Crystal Palace have been linked heavily with a move for his services.

Newcastle United feedback:

McClaren told the Chronicle: “Now we will sit down and assess the squad and try to pick about 18 or 20 players.

“That is who we will pick from – they are the ones – and we will decide on where the others go. Some will go out on loan, some we will try to sell.

“I think that conversation will come about very soon.”

McClaren vowed to give every player a clean slate after taking over from head coach John Carver earlier in the sumner.

He has fielded forgotten men like Northern Ireland international Ferguson, injured midfielder Bigirimana and French midfielder Kemen after he returned from international duty.

Williamson was also tipped to leave early in the summer but McClaren has fielded him in most friendly games so far.

McClaren added: “I think the key thing is come in and give everybody a chance and you look at everybody. I think that is what we have done.

“Some players have done really well and some have disappointed.

“You are finding out about people.

“I am delighted with the work they have put in.

“The attitude has been good. I could not fault that.”