The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that there is 'interest' from Championship clubs in Newcastle United duo Ciaran Clark and Dwight Gayle.

The Lowdown: On the fringes

Both players were on the fringes of Eddie Howe's squad last season, with just 23 appearances made between them in total.

As per The Daily Mail, they are both training with the under-23s at the moment alongside Jeff Hendrick, so they seemingly do not have a long-term future at St James' Park.

The Latest: Championship 'interest'

Taking to Twitter, Hope has revealed that there is 'interest' in Gayle from Middlesbrough, while they and Stoke City are boh 'interested' in Clark.

The reporter outlined: "Middlesbrough & Stoke also interested in Ciaran Clark. Boro had shown interest in Dwight Gayle but, as it stands, that is unlikely. Some at Boro like Jordan Rhodes but Huddersfield asking for too much, I’m told."

The Verdict: Get rid

Given their lack of game-time last term, and with a few strikers and centre-backs ahead of them in the pecking order, it would be best for Newcastle to just get rid of the duo if the opportunity arises.

Clark currently earns £42,000-per-week on Tyneside, while Gayle is on £37,000-per-week, so overall they could trim a handy £79,000-per-week off the Magpies' wage bill, along with whatever transfer fees they can get for the pair.

The money earned from selling the duo could then be used to help fund transfer targets in other areas of the pitch, as Howe looks to get his squad finalised before the new campaign starts in four weeks' time.