The 2015/16 campaign was one of agony for Newcastle as they failed to secure their Premier League status.

Even with the appointment of Rafa Benitez to the club, the task that face them to secure safety was a monumental one. What made things worse was the fact that they were relegated as a result of their bitter rivals, Sunderland, securing their own safety.

Many problems faced Newcastle over their abysmal 2015/16 season, from fans protesting to transfer flops, the time at St James' Park was littered with issues that even a manager the size of Benitez could not solve.

However, with the Magpies securing the services of Benitez for next season, the Toon Army have reason to be optimistic heading into the 2016/17 Championship campaign.

Having said that, they will be very aware that things need to change for their side. Signings over the summer will be key in a bid to ensure a good start to the season.

Perhaps the position they struggled with most last season was up front. The Newcastle fans had been spoilt in years before with the likes of Alan Shearer and Michael Owen gracing the pitch at St James' Park. However, the failures of 2015/16 could be put down to the lack of goal scoring threats.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was the sides only recognised target man in the Newcastle side last season. However, he failed to impress in his first season at the club with goals few and far between as well as his short temper often getting the better of him.

As a result, Benitez will be searching for target men to bolster the Newcastle frontline this summer.

Tomer Hemed

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At 6ft tall, Hemed provides tremendous physical strength and power to the front line of Brighton's attack. He scored 17 goals in his first season with the club, proving that he has much more to his game than just the physical aspect.

When needed, Hemed can be used as a striker to ensure the ball is held up for the midfielders and is certainly a handful both with ball at his feet and heading in the air.

The signing of Hemed could be a welcome addition to the Newcastle squad. In some aspects, he is much like Mitrovic. However, the Brighton striker's 17 goals last season show just how much of a threat he is in the Championship.

Chris Martin

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The Derby forward is another striker who could be a welcome addition to Rafa Benitez's side.

Like Hemed, he is a proven striker in the Championship - scoring 15 goals last season. What is slightly different about Martin, though, is his ability to bring players into the game with his quick footwork.

The 27 year old stands at 6ft1in but possesses attributes not often associated with players of his height. His 10 assists in the 2015/16 campaign signify how his ability to bring others into play make him a delight to have in the team.

And, if the likes of Andros Townsend are willing to stay at St James' Park next season, Martin could endure success under Benitez.

Jonathan Kodjia

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In his first season at Bristol City, Kodjia netted an impressive 19 goals in the SkyBet Championship.

He poses a tricky threat for defenders to deal with because he has both pace and power. At 6ft2in, the Ivorian is a physical presence in the box as well as being able to run in behind defenders.

With the midfield quality of Jack Colback and Jonjo Shelvey, Kodjia would flourish on service from them and could certainly improve on his 19 goals from last season.

However, this deal could be very unlikely given that the 26 year old has only had one season in English football. Therefore, the signing on Kodjia may be one for the future once he has proved himself even more.