Viduka and captain Michael Owen are just two of the club's stars facing uncertain futures at the club but the waiting game will have to continue.

Staying in the Premier League is all that occupies the thoughts of caretaker boss Chris Hughton at this stage.

The Magpies face Arsenal this weekend with three points desperately needed.

Hughton  told the Evening Chronicle: "The fear of this club not being in this division next season supercedes absolutely everything.

"I don't think at this moment players are thinking about their futures.

"What they are thinking about is making sure we win enough games, get enough points to stay in this division.

"Any thoughts of the future come at the end of the season."