Newcastle United's promotion push suffered a real setback this weekend after they were held to a goalless draw by struggling Birmingham City at St Andrews.

In a rather lacklustre showing, the Magpies failed to assert their dominance over a Birmingham City side that continue to slip towards the relegation places.

But the game finish 0-0 in the Midlands and thanks to defeats for Huddersfield Town and Brighton, Rafa's side remain at the top of the pile in the Championship.

And with the title still in sight and the summer edging ever-closer, it will soon be time for the Spanish manager to make a decision on the futures of his squad.

Who should stay, who deserves a new deal and who should be shown the door to St James' Park?

With that in mind, here's THREE Toon stars that Rafa has a big decision to make on...

Aleksandar Mitrović

Newcastle United fans absolutely love Aleksandar Mitrović but it's safe to say the Serbian forward hasn't had the most influential of seasons this campaign.

You can't in the slightest question his workrate, ability to win the ball in the air or his physical prowess upfront but is he the man to lead the Toon if they get back into the Premier League?

He's still relatively young and would command a decent transfer fee and he's one that Rafa will certainly be mulling over in the coming weeks.

Adam Armstrong

On-loan at Barnsley for the remainder of this season, striker Adam Armstrong is one that certainly divides Newcastle fans on all accounts.

He had a terrific season at Coventry City last campaign, scoring 20 goals for the Sky Blues but hasn't in the slightest had the same success at Oakwell.

At 20-years-old, he's still got time to impress the gaffer but it's going to take some-time to dislodge the likes of Dwight Gayle in the forward line.

Chancel Mbemba

Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba hasn't had the same joy at St James' Park this season and he's certainly a player that might be looking for a move away from the club this summer.

Another former Anderlecht man, he's a seriously imposing presence at the heart-of-the-defence but has struggled to dislodge the likes of Clark, Hanley and Lascelles this season, all of whom have been excellent.

Does Benitez cash in on another young player who isn't playing as much as he'd like?