Newcastle United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to build on an already overachieving squad come January after an impressive start. Indeed, while the summer months threatened to wreck the club, Rafa Benitez is seemingly working wonders on Tyneside. 

The Toon Army have enjoyed seeing their side rise to an impressive top half position as they continue to impress under the established Benitez. Having been held to draws in both of their last 2 games against what was pretty tough opposition they’ll be looking to build and improve on this.

In what is a very small squad of 21 players with what may be viewed as a little too many fringe players, it looks as if both some strengthening and removing of dead weight is needed when the January transfer window comes around.

With Benitez having to deal with a couple of regular starters out injured, the gaffer has made it evident as to what players will receive a regular inclusion in his matchday squad. So for the 5 or 6 players that are only used to fill the void in the case of injuries, its beginning to look as if these are the players that need to be offloaded when it comes down to the business in January.

So with it being very important for Benitez and his side to continue with consistency of performance, departures and arrivals could bolster this.

So here’s a look at 3 possible players that could be on their way out of Tyneside…

Dwight Gayle

The pacey forward played a pivotal part in the clubs recent rise to the Premier League as the clubs top goalscorer. However, since then the striker hasn’t really had a look in and when he’s been given the opportunity he hasn’t stepped up to the plate.

Many believed that the striker would have departed in the summer among interest from many Championship clubs, but after Benitez decided to keep the striker, it looks as if he is set to rue this as the star looks to have lost his shine.

So, for a player that has proved his worth at Championship level, in what is his 4th season in the Premier League it is yet to be seen that he is able to perform at this level.

Mohamed Diame

Another one of Benitez’s star players of last season, who like Gayle, has slipped under the radar in recent times. The Senegalese international has made just the 1 start for the Tyneside club so far this season as he lives in shadows in what is a squad overloaded with central midfielders.

Due to not being given the opportunity to impress this has halted Diame from gathering any momentum and consistency in performance as he struggles to string a number of games together. So, with the January window fast approaching it looks as if this man will be looking elsewhere as he seeks first-team football.

Jack Colback

The central midfielder was a regular in the side in previous seasons with him becoming a real fan favourite after joining from fierce rivals Sunderland. However, the 27-year-old is yet to feature for the club so far this season as he looks to have taken an unexpected turn in being out of favour under Benitez.

Having had a deadline day link to Wolves during the summer, it looks as if it’s inevitable that this lad will be making an exit out of Tyneside come January. For a player who’s been a great servant for the club over the past 3 years, it’s beginning to look as if Benitez has grown old of the midfielder as he brings players in form elsewhere.

So Newcastle fans, would you like to see the departure of these 3 players?