The Toon Army in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating their return to Premier League action on Monday evening, when they face Burnley at Turf Moor.

Newcastle United have not been in action since their 1 nil victory over Crystal Palace at St James’ Park last Saturday. The victory saw Rafa Benitez’s newly promoted side rise to a very respectable 7th position after 9 games of the season. Any lingering doubts about Newcastle’s ability to compete in the top-flight have been firmly put to rest by their promising early season form. Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Monday night, where they will be looking to record only their second away victory of the season.

The Toon Army in the Tavern believe the manner in which their club have started the season suggests they will stay well-clear of a relegation battle this season.

And the recent confirmation from Newcastle owner Mike Ashley that the club is up for sale has further increased the optimism at the club.

Ashley confirmed that he wishes to find a buyer by the end of the calendar year, which would give the new owners plenty of opportunity to stamp their mark on the club during the January transfer window.

If Newcastle succeed in attracting a buyer with serious financial resources by the new year, the North-East club could be welcoming a handful of new arrivals in January.

Here are three players Benitez should be recommending to the new owners ahead of the January window.

Yaya Toure

Manchester City veteran Yaya Toure may well be 34 years of age, but he proved last season that he still has plenty to offer the Premier League.

Early indications from the opening months of the 2017/18 campaign suggest that Toure has little future left at Manchester City.

Toure has been on the fringes of the first-team squad so far this season with the likes of Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan firmly in front of the Ivorian in Guardiola’s pecking order.

With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2018, Newcastle would have no problem in securing a deal for a discounted price in January.

Juan Mata

Another player from one of Manchester’s giants with a contract expiring in 2018 is United’s Juan Mata.

It is no secret that Mourinho took issue with Mata’s work-rate when they were together at Chelsea, so it would be no surprise if Mourinho decided not to renew Mata’s contract before next summer.

Newcastle look short of quality in the number 10 position and could make a real statement of intent with a deal to bring Mata to Tyneside.

Benitez would relish the opportunity to bring a player of Mata’s expertise to the club, in a deal which would increase Newcastle’s ambitions of achieving a Europa-League place this season.

Providing Newcastle have sufficient financial backing in January, they should heavily pursue Mata and land a marquee signing for the club.

Maya Yoshida

Southampton’s defensive performances have looked much more convincing with centre-back Maya Yoshida at the heart of their defence this season.

In Yoshida’s 8 league appearances for Southampton, his side have kept 4 clean sheets, which is a testament to the influence the Japanese international has on the Saints back line.

With Virgil Van Dijk’s future at the club hanging in the balance, Southampton will be eager to keep hold of Yoshida, but Newcastle should at least be making enquiries into his availability to add this proven Premier League centre back to their defensive unit.