Toon midfielder exit on cards

Danny Guthrie will reportedly be allowed to leave Newcastle this summer but a potential move to Aston Villa could be off.

The former Liverpool youngster has struggled for regular first-team action at St James' Park this season and has been linked with a move to Villa in the summer. However, the midlanders' recent poor form has seen them dragged into the relegation fight at the bottom of the Premier League and there are serious question marks over the future of boss Alex McLeish. The Scot is said to be a big fan of Guthrie and had hoped to land him on a free transfer over the summer but all thoughts on potential new arrivals at Villa Park have now been put on hold until the end of the season when they will know their fate for 2012-13. If a switch to Villa fails to materialise, several other Premier League clubs could enter the race for Guthrie if Toon boss Alan Pardew decides he can leave.