Newcastle United will be playing in the second tier next season for the second time in six years following their 18th placed finish with 37 points.

There's plenty of positivity surrounding next season for the club, however, as relegation was taken out of their hands thanks to arch rivals Sunderland, and their 5-1 win on the final day over 3rd placed Tottenham finished their season in a flourish.

They also are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games, so will be expecting to immediately return to the Premier League next season, as they did the last time they played in the second division.

It won't be easy, however, as they will have to add the relevant depth required to compete in the second tier, and may well have to rid the club of the high salary players they currently have.

With reports surfacing on Wednesday that manager Rafa Benitez had agreed to stay at the club and was planning a transfer list, FLW's Ryan Evans takes a look at FIVE transfer that Newcastle simply cannot afford to miss out on in the summer transfer window......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 TRANSFERS!

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Daniel Agger

Currently playing at Danish Superliga side Bronby, Agger 71 Danish caps since his debut back in 2005. He was also a fans favourite at Liverpool during his 8 years there, making 175 appearances and working with Benitez for a long period.

Because of their Merseyside connection, it wouldn't be hard to see Agger moving to the North-East to help his former boss get his side out of the second tier.

Plus, the 31-year old will be a free agent this summer should his contract not get renewed, meaning that Newcastle won't even have to pay a transfer fee.

He would add experience and would be a player that Benitez could trust, and there might be some substance to this move, as reports coming out of Spain suggest that Agger could well be the Spaniard's first signing at the Toon.

 

Billy Sharp

In a season where not many Sheffield United players can come out with their heads held high, Sharp is one that has tried his best for his club. With 21 goals in 44 appearances, he is one of the highest scorers in the division.

With six goals in his final nine games, he finished the season in great form, and would prove to be a great asset for Newcastle in their quest to return to the top flight.

Following the ousting of Nigel Adkins, there is expected to be wholesale changes at Brammall Lane this summer, so it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility for the 30-year old to move on or move to a second tier side.

 

Barry Bannan

The Scottish international has 21 caps, and plenty of Premier League experience, too.

Five years at Aston Villa and two at Crystal Palace have made up the lion share of his career, but a move to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday at the start of this season has resurrected his career.

37 appearances for the Owls at either left midfield or central midfield has seen him named in the PFA Championship team of the year, and whilst he hasn't been a prolific goal scorer has done a more than decent job for Carlos Carvalhal this season.

Bannan would add good creativity to a Newcastle line that only really has Andros Townsend who could do that, and it his future is as yet unknown.

 

Lewis Dunk

Dunk has been almost ever-present in Chris Hughton's side that came so close to a shock promotion this season, and has won many plaudits.

Back-to-back goals and man of the match performances in the games against Birmingham and Nottingham Forest in April set the Seagulls up nicely, and the first goal in Monday's play-off draw with Sheffield Wednesday could well have set the ball rolling in order for them to stage an extraordinary come back.

With Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor believed to be on their way out of the club, there will be a gap in the side, potentially that Dunk could fill. It is also believed the the club have been eyeing a move for the player.

At 24-years old, it would be an extremely positive move to bring in the Brighton centre-back as he is one of the highest rated centre-backs in the division.

 

Harry Maguire

Out of favour at the KC Stadium as manager Steve Bruce has favoured his son Alex, Curtis Davies and Michael Dawson, the 23-year old has only made 23 appearances this season, and has been linked with a move to Premier League trio Middlesbrough, Burnley and Everton.

If one of those clubs comes calling, it may be hard for him to turn down, but a move to Newcastle, which may well involve a regular first team place, could also be an option.

For the same reasons as Dunk, it may fall to Benitez to reshape Newcastle's disappointing defence with a changing of a guard, so two young defenders like these would be good moves.

Newcastle fans, what do you think? How much would you like these players at the club? Are there any you would add? Let us know your opinion below!