Who knows whether Mike Ashley will loosen the purse string or not this summer but Newcastle fans in the Tavern will be hopeful that Rafael Benitez is finally given some financial backing to add some quality to his squad. 

Newcastle United look set to lose Mikel Merino following Real Sociedad's activation of his surprisingly low £10 million release clause. Merino had a solid season with the Magpies last year and Newcastle fans will be gutted to see him leave the club. According to L'Equipe, Newcastle are interested in signing French midfielder, Clement Grenier this summer.

Although Grenier has had a reasonable career in France, the midfielder the Magpies should be targeting is Huddersfield's Aaron Mooy. The Australian midfielder joined Huddersfield on a permanent deal last year for £10 million following a successful loan spell with the club. Last year, Mooy was one of Huddersfield's best players and was essential in keeping the Yorkshire club in the Premier League.

Capable of playing in a box-to-box role or further back in a defensive midfield position, Mooy would be a superb signing for Benitez. Moreover, pairing him with the talented, yet at times, way would Jonjo Shelvey would give Newcastle a solid midfield which would be capable of pushing the Toon towards the European spots.

Mooy played 36 games in the Premier League last year, as per Transfermarkt and is a tough yet technically underrated player. One that is much more suited to Newcastle than the talented yet injury-prone one, Grenier, who has never really consistently proven himself.

Newcastle fans - Grenier or Mooy?