Newcastle United supporters have been despondent in the Transfer Tavern this week after seeing their side suffer a third consecutive Premier League defeat at the hands of Manchester United on Saturday, with the Magpies going down 4-1 at Old Trafford.

Rafa Benitez’s men entered the international break having lost to both Burnley and Bournemouth, thus stunting their momentum after a solid start to the season which saw them win four of their opening nine league games, and sit comfortably in the top half of the Premier League table. And although they took the lead at Old Trafford through Dwight Gayle, goals from Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Paul Pogba, and Romelu Lukaku condemned Benitez’s side to a sixth Premier League defeat of the campaign, and third in succession.

Thus, there have been many deflated and disappointed Magpies fans in the Tavern this week, many of whom are already turning their attentions away from Saturday’s defeat to focus on their crucial encounter with Marco Silva’s Watford at St James’ Park this weekend.

In the meantime though, alongside reports that a takeover bid has been launched for their club, there has been much for our resident Magpies supporters to discuss, not least a recent report which suggests that goalkeeper Karl Darlow could be set for a January move away from the club.

The former Nottingham Forest shot-stopper has yet to feature in the Premier League for the club this term, this all after playing a key role in helping the North East giants return to the top-flight last time out.

And, as such, his future appears far from certain, and it’s uncertainty which Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa are reportedly seeking to exploit should they lose current number one Sam Johnstone, who has been linked with a New Year move to West Brom.

And were Darlow to make the move to Villa Park, here are TWO other Newcastle stars who could follow him to the Midlands giants…

Mo Diame

Mo Diame’s first Premier League start of the season against Burnley at the back end of October was a poor one, and as such has thrown into doubt his capabilities of performing in the top-flight for Newcastle this term.

And manager Benitez clearly feels similarly as the former Senegal international has not started either of their last two league matches, with Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden preferred in the central midfield position.

And with Mikel Merino also to return from injury, things aren’t looking good for Diame, and as such his future has been speculated upon recently with the 30-year-old reportedly attracting the interest of Bruce’s Villa.

And having had success at Championship level before, under Bruce no less back in 2016 as well as Newcastle last term, he could be a perfect addition to the Villa squad as they seek a Premier League return in the second half of the season.

Dwight Gayle

Although striker Dwight Gayle has started Newcastle’s last two Premier League matches, and indeed netted against Manchester United at the weekend, it’s clear that he’s not first-choice at St James’ Park.

Spanish forward Joselu has led the line for the majority of the season so far having started their last ten league matches, many of which as the lone striker in Benitez’s side.

And given that he has not been overly prolific during that time, bagging just twice so far this term, it’s clear that Benitez feels that the 27-year-old gives more to the team than Gayle does, even if the latter is a better finisher in the penalty area.

But with Joselu clearly the main man at St James’ Park, Gayle could be on his way out in January, and with Villa in need of attacking reinforcements going into the second half of the season, and Gayle having bagged 23 times in the Championship last term, he could be an ideal signing at Villa Park in January.