Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez will be content with his side's progress this year as they sit in second place in the Sky Bet Championship.

The aim at the beginning of the season was to win instant re-promotion back to the Premier League and a positive summer of spending - in which they brought in top class players like Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu - has set them up to achieve their goals.

They currently trail Brighton in the race for the title but have a 7 point lead over third placed Leeds United, as well as a game in hand on the chasing Whites.

The Magpies have a Premier League quality squad.

Benitez is spoilt for options as he tries to assemble a starting XI with a large squad brimming with talent.

This means that some top players are not getting the game time they possibly deserve and here are 2 that could be sold this month.

Cheick Tiote

Cheick Tiote has been trying to leave Newcastle for ages and Newcastle have been trying to get rid of him.

The Ivorian's high wage demands have proved a stumbling block in his exit and both parties are just desperate for Tiote to leave.

Newcastle want the defensive midfielder's wages off their books and Tiote - who was previously a top player at Newcastle - wants to get some game time.

Sammy Ameobi

Sammy Ameobi has returned to Newcastle's squad to cover for Christian Atsu (who is on international duty) and the injured Rolando Aarons.

The 24-year-old was previously on loan at Bolton and Parkinson is desperate to get him back on loan or permanently.

With Newcastle trying to sign Mo Barrow or Andros Townsend, Ameobi's opportunities on the wing will be limited - especially when Atsu returns - and Newcastle are best off selling their academy product before losing him for free in the summer.

Newcastle fans - would you sell these 2 players? Can they still offer your club anything? Let us know in the comments below...