Our Newcastle United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that, next season, the club are still in the Premier League under Rafa Benitez.

Newcastle had a strong start to life back in the Premier League before they started to plummet down the table. Struggling for goals and form they flirted with the relegation zone as talk of a takeover dried up on Tyneside. However, in recent weeks, there has been an upturn in results and this is steadily moving them towards mid-table in the final few months.

Indeed, if the Toon Army are to remain in the Premier League next year, then there have to be wholesale changes to the team and squad our regulars feel. Especially if they have desires to not have another season back in the Championship anytime soon, no matter how tight Mike Ashley is.

If certain players don’t pull their socks up in the final hurdles of the campaign, then our landlord believes they could be move on. Here he takes a look at TWO, in particular, that might not make the cut…

Dwight Gayle

The former Crystal Palace man had a tremendous season in the Championship last season as he helped guide the Magpies back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. However, this season hasn’t worked out quite as well and if Benitez is to solidify the clubs top-tier position, then a striker who can find the net on a regular basis will be high on his shopping list.

Unfortunately, this may signal the end of Gayle at the toon army.

Ayoze Perez

Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez has been in poor form this season, especially in front of goal, which has led to much frustration among our regulars in the bar who watch the Toon on a weekly basis.

Similar to his teammate Gayle, if Benitez is to start to cement the club’s place in the Premier League then a striker that can hit the back of the net needs to be a high priority, it’s as simple as that. Indeed, Perez hasn’t been that player this season when Newcastle have needed him most.