It's been a fairly stale transfer window for Newcastle this summer as Mike Ashley has failed to splash any reasonable amount of money on the squad. 

With the transfer window approaching its end, Newcastle have failed to bring in a top line striker or even a number 10 to pull the forward line together. Even in midfield, Newcastle need some help due to the loss of Mikel Merino and Jack Colback's departure.

As it stands, the club need to bring in multiple players but also, need to make sure they maintain their best players. Chief among those is making sure that Jamaal Lascelles is at the club.

The club captain has attracted interest from West Ham recently, who had a £20 million rejected by the Toon. If West Ham come in with a higher bid for the player and Rafa Benitez loses the brilliant defender, he should look to bring former Real Madrid defender, Raul Albiol to the north-east.

Although the Spanish defender didn't have a great career at Real Madrid, since he arrived at Napoli the Spanish international has turned into one of the most underrated and consistent performers in Europe.

The 32-year-old might be going through the backend of his career, he could well be a suitable replacement for Lascelles. He might not have the physical attributes of the Englishman, but his quality with the ball and ability to read the game is exceptional.

Benitez should do everything he can to keep the Lascelle but if he is lured away from the club, Albiol would be a great replacement.

Thoughts Newcastle fans?