Shay Given

One area which the Magpies would seemingly need not recruit this summer would be between the sticks. Rafael Benitez will have five goalkeepers at his disposal when his side return to training. Four of those have international experience of some sort, but with so many options it seems as though at least one will be departing.

However, recruiting Given on a free would mean that Benitez could offload another to increase his transfer budget this summer, in order to invest in other areas of the squad. It would also be the perfect time to begin introducing the 40-year-old as a coach, helping develop young talent such as England U21 starlet Freddie Woodman, who could step into the Irish keeper’s shoes as a number three keeper. Plus, a return to St James’ Park would be a fitting end for the Newcastle legend’s career.