Newcastle United have achieved their primary target in the Sky Bet Championship this season, by securing promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Rafa Benitez’s side still have ambitions of clinching the Championship title, but with a Premier League campaign on the horizon, work behind the scenes may have already begun at St James’ Park.

Many are expecting Benitez to spend big during the summer transfer window, Alan Shearer even suggesting his former club need to spend around £150m on their top-flight return.

The likelihood is that Newcastle will not spend anywhere near that amount, but Benitez will be well aware of his need to strengthen in certain areas.

One position the former Real Madrid boss is certainly looking at is central defence, with doubts surrounding the four players Benitez has used in that position this season.

Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark have been used predominantly by Benitez this season, but Lascelles only has a year of experience in the top-flight and Clark was part of the Aston Villa squad relegated from the Premier League 12-months ago.

Grant Hanley and Chancel Mbemba have just 10 and 11 Championship appearances respectively this season, with doubts over Benitez’s trust in the pair.

The Magpies have been linked with a move for Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross in the summer, with his future at the bet365 Stadium unclear.

There have been mixed reports in the media, with Sky Sports reporting Stoke are set to hand Shawcross a new deal, whilst other outlets are suggesting the central defender could be on the move.

The 29-year old has been with Stoke for almost ten years now, and has played a key role in the club establishing themselves in the Premier League.

Shawcross is valued at £9.35m on TransferMarkt, but that valuation could be open to negotiation particularly with his contract situation, with the financial reward of remaining in the Premier League, a fee of this magnitude should not be used as an excuse from the Magpies.

Benitez must pursue a deal for Shawcross during the summer transfer window, even if Stoke decide to hand their captain a new contract, with the defender’s Premier League experience potentially invaluable to the Magpies, as Benitez looks to establish the club back in the top-flight.