Our Newcastle fans here in the Transfer Tavern are feeling upbeat about their promotion chances as the season approaches the business end.

The lead in the Championship table has moved to and fro between the Magpies and Brighton this season with the men from the north-east currently the league leaders by a single point.

Many here in the Transfer Tavern are sure the title will go to one of the two, too, and then it’ll be down to the summer market to prepare for the Premier League.

Certainly, after a quiet January, Newcastle will need to add but our landlord also reckons some players will need to be let go with them proving not really good enough.

Indeed, Cheick Tiote has already kicked that off with his move to China and now our landlord reckons if the Magpies do go up they’ll need to get rid of this pair…

Massadio Haidara

Haidara hasn’t really had much luck for Newcastle with serious injury issues and our landlord reckons it’s time for them to part ways.

The French full-back has hardly featured and when he did in the Premier League you got the feeling that there was better options out there for the club. Rafa Benitez must be thinking that, then, and should look to sell up as soon as the summer window is opened.

Achraf Lazaar

Lazaar arrived with a good reputation from Palermo and many expected him to do well for the club.

Since, though, he has failed to settle in this season and it’s unlikely he is going to should the Magpies go up. Newcastle need experienced Premier League pros if they are to remain in the top flight and Lazaar has proven himself to be anything but capable of being that.

Thoughts, Newcastle fans? Let us know below!