NEWCASTLE UNITED have offered a new deal to Yoan Gouffran, but Vurnon Anita’s departure has been confirmed after the Magpies released their retained list for next season.

Gouffran is due to become a free agent at the end of the month, but Rafael Benitez has met with the Frenchman’s representatives and is hoping to agree a short-term deal that will keep the midfielder at St James’ Park next season.

While he started last term on the fringe of the first-team squad, Gouffran featured in 39 league games as Newcastle clinched the Championship title.

Anita made 25 league starts, but while he displayed his versatility by playing at right-back and in midfield, he has been deemed surplus to requirements in the wake of promotion. He leaves Tyneside having made 135 appearances since moving from Ajax in the summer of 2012.

Newcastle have also released Sammy Ameobi, Lubo Satka and Haris Vuckic, while Florian Thauvin has formally completed his permanent transfer to Marseille, having spent last season on loan at the Ligue 1 club.

The Magpies have offered new professional contracts to goalkeeper Paul Woolston, defender Michael Newberry, midfielders Sean Longstaff, Dan Ward and Jack Hunter, and forwards Tom Heardman and Luke Charman.

“I wish to give sincere thanks to all those players from the first team and at Under-23 level who we have made the difficult decision to release this summer,” said Benitez.

“In particular to Vurnon Anita, who has served Newcastle United magnificently over the last five years. Vurnon is an outstanding team player, always working for the team and willing to step into whatever position he was needed to fill. He is an excellent professional and I thank him for every contribution he has made over the years, particularly in my time as manager.

“Yoan Gouffran has been an equally committed and dedicated team player for this club, as well as a hugely popular member of the squad.

"I can confirm we are in early-stage discussions now with Yoan’s agent to see if there might be a solution that could work for both the players and the club which may see Yoan extend his service to Newcastle United, but we will know more in the coming days.”