Newcastle United are flying at the moment in the Championship and our resident Magpies fans here in the Transfer Tavern are confident they are going to return to the Premier League emphatically at the first time of asking.

The men from the north east are currently the side to beat in the second tier of English football with them currently top of the pile after a brief adjustment period at the start of the season for Rafael Benitez and his men.

The Spaniard himself had never managed in this league before but he seems to be getting to grips with it now with the Magpies looking like an ominous force.

Of course, it’s still early days and anything could still happen but if Newcastle keep things the way they are at the moment they really should be celebrating promotion at the end of the season.

Benitez has assembled a squad that looks more than capable of mixing it in the Premier League let alone the Championship and our landlord reckons that if they can sign these four midfielders, with every chance it could happen, they’ll be looking good for the title…

Steven Gerrard

The Liverpool hero has left LA Galaxy and so, naturally, the speculation over where he is heading is going into over-drive.

He’ll no doubt have a number of playing offers should he decide to keep playing and should the opportunity to link up with Rafa Benitez once more arise, he may be tempted to move to Newcastle.

What a signing it would be, too, if the Magpies could get it done.

Ronaldo Vieira

He’s certainly got the name to suggest he’s going to be a decent footballer and it appears he has the interest from Newcastle, too.

The young Leeds midfielder has impressed so far this season at Elland Road as they, like the Magpies look to return to the Premier League, but he may feel he’ll have a better chance of doing it in the north east.

Newcastle should make an offer then and see what happens.

Anthony Knockaert

Newcastle are three points clear at the top of the league ahead of Brighton and, at the moment, it looks like it’ll be those two for the title.

There’s a long way to go of course but if it gets to January and it’s still that pair leading then the Magpies will want to deliver a knock out blow.

There could be few heavier, then, than signing arguably Brighton’s best player in Anthony Knockaert.

James McCarthy

McCarthy has suffered with a lengthy injury this season but even when he’s been fit he’s struggled to get into Ronald Koeman’s plans at Everton.

He could be tempted surely, then, to a move away and to Newcastle with them looking seriously good to return to the Premier League.

The Irishman would give them that extra bit of Premier League nous ready for next season if all goes to plan.

Agree Magpies fans? Let us know below…