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Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez started to cut his squad with three first team squad members sent to train at the club’s Academy this week.

Senegal midfielder Henri Saivet , Achraf Lazaar and Tim Krul have all been told that their futures lie elsewhere and their representatives have been instructed to find them new clubs for next season.

Benitez stated to his whole squad at the start of pre-season he would be honest with each player and he has now told the trio where they stand.

All three began the summer at the club’s first team training base in Benton with Saivet even getting a chance in the 2-1 win at Heart of Midlothian.

But Benitez , knowing his squad must be reduced to 25 players by September 1, must start working closely with the group of players he sees fit to start the season.

However, more players could be moved on if Benitez makes the progress he is aiming to before the home game with Tottenham Hotspur in three weeks.

Benitez was asked if some players could stay and force their way into his plans but had said on Saturday after the 1-1 draw at Preston North End: “No, not all of them - we have too many.

“We have to get down to 25 players and try to adjust.”

Newcastle did not field any of their senior players in the reserves at Whitley Bay with Saivet, Lazaar and Krul knowing they must look for a new club if they want to play any type of football next season.