Newcastle United fans are hoping that the club can finish the season off by getting back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Even though promotion is by no means secure, it’s only natural for fans to start looking at potential incomings this summer and in truth, manager Rafa Benitez will be doing the same.
During his time at Liverpool, Benitez was never afraid to splash the cash but he was also willing to bring players in for free.
There are a number of players currently playing in the Premier League who are about to see their contracts expire.
We’ve taken a look at a few who we think Newcastle should look to bring in if they do manage to get promoted:
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick will be 36-years-old by the time next season starts but the boyhood Newcastle fan has shown nothing to suggest that he’ll be retiring. Even at this stage of his career, he is able to dictate games and he’d probably jump at the chance of representing the club he grew up supporting.
Joe Ledley
Another midfielder, albeit a younger one. Welsh international Joe Ledley has just turned 30. Newcastle will be underdogs in plenty of games if they get promoted and Ledley’s battling qualities could come in very handy.
Lucas Leiva
A player who Rafa Benitez knows well having brought him to England, Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva has been converted into a defender by Jurgen Klopp but he can still do a job in midfield. He wouldn’t be a regular starter but he’d be a good squad player and by all accounts, he’s an excellent dressing room presence too.
Glen Johnson
Glen Johnson looked finished when he left Liverpool but has had a revival at Stoke, one which saw him get back into the England squad. He too knows Benitez well and would offer a decent option at right-back, a position that has been somewhat of an issue in recent weeks.
Martin Kelly
Yet another man who played under Benitez at Liverpool, Martin Kelly has had a difficult time at Crystal Palace in recent months. He’d offer cover at both right-back and centre-back.
George Boyd
Benitez loves technical players but he’s also shown a willingness to use players who graft and put in a shift. George Boyd isn’t the most gifted player ever but he’s very selfless and he works his backside off for the team.