It's been a stuttering season so far for Newcastle but despite their inconsistent form they still remain outside of the relegation places and have a five-point cushion on Burnley. 

Rafa Benitez wasn't given much backing by the oft-maligned Mike Ashley but the Spaniard has still managed to pull off wins against Watford and Bournemouth this season. The club goes into January needing to do some business but is also unlikely to do so.

However, according to The Sun, Newcastle could be about to conclude a swap deal for Fulham captain Tom Cairney while sending Jonjo Shelvey to west London.

The Breakdown

At one time an essential player for Fulham in the Championship and one of the reasons they got promoted last season, Cairney has fallen out of favour at the club. With Claudio Ranieri arriving at Craven Cottage, Cairney seems surplus to requirements as he has looked to play Chambers and Seri in midfield.

Despite not being played much, he still remains a solid midfielder and would add some quality to a Newcastle side that lacks much threat going forward. He would easily fill a void in the number 10 role for Newcastle which would also allow the Magpies to get rid of Shelvey.

Shelvey isn't an automatic starter at the club and in a defensive side, he is a liability. At 28, Cairney is in the prime of his career and could well benefit from making the switch up north. From a Newcastle perspective, it's a deal that makes sense.

Thoughts Newcastle fans?