The Newcastle fans in and around the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Rafa Benitez can inspire his team again to another top ten finish in the Premier League. 

Surprisingly to some, the Magpies reached the top 10 in the Premier League last season after enduring a terrific run of form towards the back-end of the campaign. Having already secured the signing of one relegated star in the form of Ki Sung-Yueng, our punters think adding fellow relegated star Moritz Bauer of Stoke City, (who is valued at £4.5 million on Transfermarkt) will help increase their defensive stability as they bid for another successful spell in the top flight.

Having joined the Potters in January this year, Bauer, although failing to help them avoid relegation, was one of their better and more consistent players which should be looked at by a team like Newcastle. The Magpies already have more attacking options such as Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin but Moritz Bauer offers quality in both attack and defence, as he can also play left-back and right-midfield, in addition to his favoured right-back position.

With other rivals strengthening in the transfer market as well, Newcastle have to follow suit to ensure they don't fall behind and face another season of uncertainty. The versatility of the 26-year-old is admirable and given the need for cover in both full-back positions, this could be a sensible transfer for Newcastle.

Bauer showed in his short time with Stoke that he is worthy of another Premier League opportunity as one of the brightest stars in a relegated side, so should Newcastle be taking advantage of that?

Thoughts... Let us know!