Ranger made 25 appearances during United’s promotion campaign but only featured twice after the signing of Leon Best in January, prompting speculation about his future.
The majority of fans have yet to see Best put in a good performance, and many argue Ranger produces a spark of urgency when introduced from the bench ... and we haven't seen that from the ex-Coventry striker.
Ranger's agent Nick Rubery claims Newcastle insist he will stay a Toon player ... but he can go on loan for a season.
Allegedly Hughton’s "priorities" are Best, Shola Ameobi, Andy Carroll and Peter Løvenkrands who all appear ahead of Ranger.
Nick Rubery: “Obviously, Nile has total respect for Chris Hughton and it is entirely up to him what he decides to do but the indication that we have been given is that he will be going out on loan next season.
“I don’t know whether that has changed because of the statement – it depends on Chris. It is totally up to him. But I think the thinking is that he needs first-team football to progress and that he might not get that in the Premier League which I think is understandable.
“I think it would probably benefit him if he went out on loan to experience first-team football. It has been shown to work in the past with other players and it’s a route open to Nile.
“Why would he leave Newcastle? He has two years left on his contract and wants to stay. Nile’s at a great club and he certainly doesn’t want to leave.”