Newcastle United supporters have been pretty buoyant in the Transfer Tavern this week following the Magpies’ 2-2 draw with Southampton on Sunday, as well as the developing news of a possible takeover of their club.

Rafa Benitez’s men went into their clash at St Mary’s last weekend having won three of their opening seven Premier League matches, and looked set to make that four when they twice took the lead against the Saints, first through Isaac Hayden and then Ayoze Perez. However, a brace from Manolo Gabbiadini, the second from the penalty spot after Florian Lejeune needlessly bundled over Shane Long, preserved a point for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side, keeping them just two points behind Newcastle in the Premier League table.

And although there was some frustration among our resident Magpies fans last weekend, many praised another fine performance from their side, and alongside news of a possible takeover this week, the optimism is certainly growing among those Newcastle supporters lining up at the bar.

And they are likely to have been intrigued by a report earlier this week which suggested that the North East giants tried to lure James Milner back to St James’ Park.

The 31-year-old has been at Liverpool since 2015 but has made just two Premier League starts for the Reds this season, with Alberto Moreno doing enough at left-back to reclaim that spot after a season in which Milner excelled in that position.

And as such Newcastle tried to exploit the situation but to no avail, however if things were to remain as they are, a move in January is not out of the question.

And here are THREE reasons why they must resurrect a deal for the Liverpool ace come the New Year…

Bags of Premier League experience

There aren’t many players in the Premier League at present that can boast over 450 appearances at top-flight level, but Liverpool’s Milner can.

The 31-year-old has played at the elite level for many a year now be it with Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool, and as such knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the level, and how much work goes into achieving a club’s respective aims.

And in a Newcastle side that are seeking to re-establish themselves as a Premier League side following promotion last season, that would be invaluable both on and indeed off the pitch, so Benitez must look to reignite his interest in the New Year.

His versatility would be a huge asset

Milner has always been a player who will give you 100% and rarely let you down, but he also has underrated qualities as both a midfielder and a full-back.

Last season, Klopp entrusted him with playing at left-back following Alberto Moreno’s shambolic start to the campaign, and the 31-year-old produced several solid and impressive displays in that role to suggest that he could be called upon to play there on a regular basis, as he went on to do last time round.

And having someone versatile like that in the squad, like Newcastle had with Vurnon Anita in years gone by, is a huge asset and something Benitez would surely want to have as his side progress through the Premier League season.

Uncertain future at Anfield

Ultimately, a possible return to Newcastle has come about because Milner faces an uncertain future at Anfield.

Although he was first choice left-back last season, Moreno has clearly impressed Klopp during pre-season as the Spaniard is currently ahead of the Englishman in the pecking order, with Milner restricted to just two Premier League starts so far this term.

And with the vast amounts of options for the midfield positions, the 31-year-old doesn’t look like commanding regular football at present, and as such a move away, at this stage of his career, could be exactly what he needs.

And given Newcastle would benefit from his arrival, they must seek to exploit this uncertainty by moving for Milner in January.