Football in the North East, and its results, has seen mixed fortunes this season.

Whilst Newcastle United can plan for another year in the Premier League, Sunderland are on the way to League One and that means it's only Middlesbrough who have their destination for 2018/19 undecided.

Boro, of course, are in the play-offs and look strong but with the likes of Aston Villa and one of Cardiff and Fulham around, it's going to be a real fight to earn promotion.

One man could be key in the battle, then, Adama Traore:

This season the winger has shown that he might now be ready to take on the Premier League after a tough time in the top flight with Villa.

If Boro don't go up, though, Newcastle might just be wise in taking a serious look at him.

The Magpies, owing to the size of the club, need to kick on quickly and now establish themselves as a top-half side as the next step of their progression.

Rafa Benitez will be looking to sign players that can help them achieve that, then, and going after those that are desperate to prove themselves good enough in the top flight should be part of his plan.

By no means should Newcastle only sign gambles - as Traore would still be at this stage - but a handful of players like him would add some extra stardust at St. James'.