The Toon Army here in the Tavern have been waiting patiently, as they begin to show glimmers of hope for the upcoming domestic period. 

Newcastle have turned into a roller coaster of a side in recent years, after the glory days of Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley fade out of United fans’ minds.

So far this season they’ve started with the promise of guaranteeing their stay in the big time, as they sit in a proud midtable place having delivered a mixed bag of form. Over the last few match days, they’ve begun to lose their shape, with losses in their previous couple of games resulting in a desperate need to improve.

Spanish mastermind Rafa Benitez has been the main reason for the club’s rise, as his Newcastle legacy is beginning to take full flow. Since taking over last year in 2016, he’s managed to drag them from the depths of despair to enjoying trophy success, with the next stop on the Benitez Tyneside Express being to set up a stable base in the Premier League.

However, one significant occurrence that has surfaced for the club this season is being put up for sale by owner Mike Ashley. This has triggered many happy reactions for the Toon Army, with prospects of a nearing transfer window looking appealing.

Reports in The Sun have suggested that businesswomen Amanda Staveley is set to complete the takeover of the club soon, much to the delight of our Geordie contingent.

So, with an influx of cash set to be injected into the club, potential transfer funds will be a delight for Benitez’s future plans. The Spanish manager already has his eyes on a potential signing, reports suggest in The Sun that the prolific Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun has become of interest to the gaffer and his scouting staff.

So with cash and links becoming the norm, here’s THREE potential departures that the signing of Tosun will trigger…

Dwight Gayle

The forward pocket rocket was one of the most wanted strikers in the second tier after his Championship top goalscorer feat in the 2016-17 season.

But things have drastically changed, with the striker becoming out of favour in the Premier League. Having made 3 starts in the top flight this season, it doesn’t take a genius to see that his footballing career on Tyneside is in question.

So with an addition of another striker, you can’t help but feel for the forward as an exit becomes inevitable, as Benitez continues to waste valuable talent.

Alexandar Mitrovic

The Serbian striker has been very impressive for his national side for the duration of their calendar year, as his goals help them reach the World Cup.

But for some reason, Benitez just doesn’t see eye to eye with the striker, as he’s made only 1 start for the Tyneside club during the season so far. That comes as somewhat of a surprise considering the lack of goals being created by Newcastle forwards, combined with his impressive form for his nation.

His departure from the club has been touted before and, with the news surfacing of the search for a new striker being ongoing, that will have killed any glimmer of doubt that the Serbian had on his future.

Henri Saivet

The Senegalese player has been utilized in an attacking manner for the Newcastle side in the limited amount of games played for the side. Over 2 seasons he’s managed 4 appearances with him being sent on loan to Saint Ettiene for a period of time last season, making his initial signing in January 2016 even more confusing.

Now 1 appearance deep this season, it looks as if he is to have no involvement in the forward movement of the Newcastle side under Benitez.

A perfect example of a player whose career has gone to tatters at the club.

Newcastle fans, thoughts on departures?