Following a slow start to the season after their relegation from the Premier League last term, Newcastle United have since hit an excellent vein of form and have built a five-point advantage at the top of the Championship.

Looking in a strong position to achieve promotion back to the top-flight at the first-time of asking, Rafael Benitez needs to start preparing his squad for the rigours of Premier League football to ensure Newcastle are competitive one their return to the top-flight.

The first-team this season is strong, meaning Benitez can afford to shop around with plenty of time in January, but it's the outgoing deals that will be crucial- as the Spaniard needs to trim the squad and offload players who no longer have a future at the club.

Freeing up places within the squad and increasing the funds available for Benitez to provide new players is crucial and these two players definitely need to be shipped-off in the January transfer window.

Cheick Tiote

tiotetiote0

The 30-year-old Ivorian midfielder has been a loyal servant to Newcastle United over the years and has provided memorable moments at St James' Park but his time on Tyneside is clearly up, as he's played just 16 minutes of football this season.

Having spent six years at Newcastle, it's now time for the club to part ways with the African as he can still prove useful to another side in Europe. Where he ends up is anyone's guess but Newcastle should offload for their own reasons, as well as it being the right thing to do with a long-serving player.

Massadio Haidara

Massadio Haidaraddd

Another player who has been at Newcastle for a while, Massadio Haidara has struggled to establish himself at the club in the last three years. Although still just 23, Haidara has a lot of competition for a left-back spot at St James' Park and doesn't look set to be a first-team regular anytime soon.

Whilst Newcastle are only likely to get a minimal fee a former French U21 international they reportedly spent £2m, the spot within the squad he frees up could help Benitez secure reported target Charlie Taylor from Leeds United.