Newcastle United fans in the Tavern will be desperate to see Mike Ashley splash the cash this summer as they look to progress up the table next season. 

Against the odds Newcastle managed to finish tenth in the table last year amid rumours of Raphael Benitez's displeasure at the lack of funds available and Mike Ashley trying to sell the club. If Benitez can make some smart signings this summer, especially up front, the Magpies could well challenge for a top ten spot next season.

Mike Ashley has been fairly frugal with his money in the past but he simply has to give the Benitez some financial backing thus summer or risk losing him.

Newcastle are in dire need of goals, and if they can keep this player fit they could have a potential star on their hands.

That star in question is Liverpool's forgotten man, Daniel Sturridge.

Sturridge is entering the final year of his contract and according to reports is available for £15 million. The 28-year-old is firmly down the pecking order at Liverpool due to his poor injury record which he again showcased at West Brom last season where in his short loan spell, he only managed six appearances in the league.

In the past, Sturridge has attracted interest from Sevilla and Inter Milan, who could well be interested in him again. With Aleksandar Mitrovic's future up in the air and Dwight Gayle failing to perform, a move for Sturridge could well be a wise move. If Newcastle can get the former Chelsea and Manchester City man fit and anywhere near to his best, they could well have a striker that could propel them into the European places.

It's a risk Newcastle fans but what do you think?