Shay Given believes that Newcastle United need to strengthen their squad if they want to maintain their Premier League status next season.
The 41-year-old goalkeeper spent 12 years at St James’ Park, making a total of 354 Premier League appearances for the club.
The former Republic of Ireland international is currently a free agent having been released by Premier League side Stoke City at the end of the season.
Speaking on TalkSport on Thursday morning, Given said that he is anticipating the Magpies to be very active in the summer transfer window.
“Pepe Reina has got a relationship with Rafa Benitez, so you can see the link there,” he said.
“There is talk of them having X-amount of pounds to spend in the summer and a lot of players coming in.
“[Eliaquim] Mangala has been linked with a move to Newcastle and I think it will be an interesting summer up there.
“It will be interesting to see if Mike Ashley backs Rafa Benitez and they go heavy in the transfer market because they need to strengthen to stay in the Premier League.”
Rafa Benitez has already completed his first signing of the summer with Christian Atsu joining the club from Premier League champions Chelsea on a permanent deal.
Newcastle made a total of 12 signings at the beginning of last season as they prepared for their first campaign back in the Championship for six years.
New recruits such as Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie and Isaac Hayden helped the Magpies to achieve automatic promotion and finish the season as champions of the division.
There are a number of players in the current Newcastle squad who have experience playing in the Premier League but more additions would certainly stand them in good stead for the upcoming campaign.