Mo Diame takes one step towards Newcastle contract extension but his abject display should convince Rafa Benitez to get rid

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Mo Diame is just two starts away from triggering a clause which would extend his Newcastle United deal, The Chronicle reports.

Diame’s contract expires this summer but he will automatically extend his ties for another season if he starts two more matches for Newcastle.

This is looking more likely with Sean Longstaff out injured, although Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-yeung will be vying for the starting spot in the last six matches.

But Diame was poor against Arsenal and this should concern Rafa Benitez. Perhaps it is time to let the Senegal international leave in the summer.

Newcastle slumped to a 2-0 loss against Arsenal at The Emirates and Diame was guilty of a playing below-standard.

With just 39 touches in 90 minutes, as well as getting dispossessed three times (stats via Who Scored), the 31-year-old let the game pass him by.

If Newcastle are hoping to progress up the league table next season, it is time to let players like Diame leave and upgrade on them.

Diame will be 32 by the start of next season and the Magpies would struggle to get another team to pay a transfer sum for him.

Letting him leave on a free transfer would be the best option but that would mean Benitez has to drop him from the starting line-up.