OPINION
Newcastle will be carrying the weight of a region on their shoulders after their promotion to the Premier League.
Their success in the Championship means that they will be the only North East side in the top flight next season, with Middlesbrough and arch-rivals Sunderland both suffering relegation, along with fellow Northerners Hull.
However, the demise of the Magpies’ neighbours could prove to be beneficial for more than just bragging rights, with a number of players set to be looking towards the exit door ahead of a season in the Championship.
Newcastle fans will be well aware of players angling for a move following the drop down a league, with Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum and Daryl Janmaat just a few names who departed St James’ Park at the end of the 2015/16 season.
Here, This is Futbol picks out three players Rafael Benitez should make a move for from the relegated trio, including a Sunderland forward with a record of clipping the Magpies’ wings: