The transfer window may be over for Newcastle United, but they still have the opportunity to sign free agents at any time to bolster their options in various positions. 

Rafa Benitez was able to bring in plenty of new players during the summer window, many of which will give the club a huge boost in their bid for survival. But yet they remain alarmingly short of strength in depth both in attacking midfield and on the right-wing.

Ayoze Perez and Matt Ritchie have their respective positions secured at this moment in time with little by way of competition to challenge them for a starting berth, but that could all change if Newcastle take note of Alessio Cerci's availability.

The 31-year-old attacking midfielder was recently released from Hellas Verona at the end of a season in which they were relegated from Serie A, and he is now available to sign on a free transfer.

With the ability to cut in from the right-wing onto his favoured left-foot or play in a number ten role behind the striker, Cerci offers a level of versatility across two positions in which the Magpies are short of quality options.

Although there's no doubt that he is past is electric best at 31-years-of-age, especially given his injury problems in recent years, Newcastle would certainly be wise to take a punt on the Italian midfielder this summer in order to add depth to their sparse options.

It's clear from the fact that Cerci has managed to score 41 goals and provide 39 assists from 201 Serie A appearances that he possesses the killer instinct to make a decisive impact in the final-third.

At this stage in his career Cerci will struggle to play 90 minutes on a consistent basis so some form of incentive based contract which takes appearances, goals and assists into account could be a desirable agreement for all involved.

The importance of squad players cannot be underestimated across a 38 fixture season, so Benitez must add another to his ranks by signing Cerci on a free transfer before he gets snapped by a rival club.

Newcastle fans - thoughts? Let us know below!