Birmingham City manager Garry Monk will have been glad to see the back of last season, with the Blues having retained their Championship status, despite numerous on and off the field hurdles.

Monk may though still have a hurdle to overcome ahead of the new season, with Newcastle United just one of the clubs very keen on star striker Che Adams, as reported exclusively on Football League World.

But if the transfer went through, would Adams make it into the Toon starting XI?

We discuss........

Ben Lang

"I see no reason why he couldn't eventually.

"It's hard to predict how Adams will adapt to life in the top-flight, but his performances last season certainly showed that his qualities are continuing to improve.

"He may start on the bench, but he can definitely get into the starting XI is he impresses in a string of substitute appearances."

Kealan Hughes

"At this moment he would play, but that is only because of a lack of strikers at the club.

"Salomon Rondon is a player they really need to keep on, and he would start ahead of Adams, and it is unlikely the two would start together as that is not how Benitez likes to play.

"Adams has a lot to prove, but after a great season he will be confident and raring to go, so you'd like to think he'd be given a chance."

Louie Chandler

"Absolutely he would.

"Adams is absolutely brilliant and I think would be adored by Newcastle fans and Rafa Benitez as well.

"He is a hardworking, ruthless striker and that is something that always goes down very well at the club."

Gary Hutchinson

“Yes, I think he would.

“There is something old fashioned about Adams, the way he moves and the carefree attitude he has.

“Maybe it’s his non-league roots, but he’s different to most forwards.

“He finds space, he’s strong and there is no doubting he knows where the goal is.

“Why would Newcastle play him?”

Jacob Potter

"I think he could, but he’d have to fight for his spot.

"Adams is a proven goalscorer, but it’s a big step up to the Premier League, although I do believe he could eventually be a starter for Newcastle.

"He’d need to remain patient for now, as Newcastle already have some good options up-front."