Sam Allardyce has suffered a double blow after Emre announced his attention to leave Newcastle in the transfer window, while star defender Steven Taylor has turned down a new contract. Emre wants a move back to former club Galatasaray in January with his place in the side now under threat. He’s turned out just once for Newcastle this season and faces renewed competition for places with the arrival of Geremi and Smith.

Emre’s imminent departure is perhaps something that Big Sam won’t be losing sleep over but Steven Taylor’s decision to snub a contract offer is a major concern. Taylor has apparently been offered a lesser deal that Milner and NZogbia , both of which signed on the dotted line recently. This has caused the dispute that is likely to alert the likes of Liverpool who could see Taylor as a ready-made replacement for the ageing Hypia.

Newcastle will look to resolve the situation quickly but the off-field dispute could be a distraction to Taylor. That could see Allardyce utilise his recent signings Abdoulaye Faye and Habib Beye, while things get settled.