Newcastle United supporters have been reasonably buoyant in the Transfer Tavern this week given their side’s recent good run of form, although there was some frustration among our resident Magpies fans given the North East giants twice lost the lead to draw at Southampton on Sunday.

Rafa Benitez’s men went into their clash at St Mary’s having won three of their opening seven Premier League matches, and looked set to make that four as goals from Isaac Hayden and Ayoze Perez twice gave them the initiative on the South Coast. However, Saints striker Manolo Gabbiadini bagged a brace, the second from the penalty spot after Florian Lejeune fouled Shane Long, to secure a 2-2 draw for Mauricio Pellegrino’s men, a result which keeps them two points adrift of the Magpies in the Premier League table.

And although there was some frustration among those Newcastle fans lining up at the bar, that has soon been forgotten in recent days as reports are circulating that the club may be subject to a takeover in the coming weeks and months.

Owner Mike Ashley announced on Monday that Newcastle was up for sale and since then several parties have been linked with a move for the North East outfit, although it appears that Amanda Staveley is the front-runner at this stage.

And she will reportedly give Benitez £150 million to spend in January to bolster the ranks at St James’ Park, and as such here are TWO huge stars that they have to land with the takeover money…

Cenk Tosun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n_SaJPqqUg

There aren’t many strikers in European football who have been as deadly and prolific in front of goal as Besiktas’ Cenk Tosun in the last 12 months.

The Turkey international bagged 20 goals in just 33 Super Lig matches last term to help the club win a second successive domestic title, and he has started this term on fire as well with seven goals in just 11 matches, including three in the Champions League.

And the 26-year-old was again in amongst the goals earlier this week with a brace in their 2-1 win at Monaco, and that form is likely to continue attracting interest from the Premier League, what with Newcastle and Crystal Palace reportedly interested.

It may take a sizable sum of money to prize Tosun away from Besiktas, but it’s money the Magpies will have should the takeover go through.

Bas Dost

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qr0dEQuCbg

The striking department at St James’ Park does appear to be a bit lightweight, which is why they must seek a move for Sporting Lisbon hotshot Bas Dost in January.

The 28-year-old netted a sensational 34 goals in just 31 league games last term for the Portuguese heavyweights, and already has four in eight this time round to underline his incredible prowess in front of goal.

And, unsurprisingly, the Netherlands international has been attracting interest from the Premier League in recent times, with Newcastle one side reportedly interested, although it seems that a substantial sum will be what it takes to convince Dost to leave the Portuguese capital.

But with the Magpies having got the money from the takeover, and in need of attacking reinforcements, they should target a move for the goal machine in the New Year.