It is beginning to look highly likely we will see Newcastle United back in the Premier League next season, after just one year back in the Sky Bet Championship.

Rafa Benitez’s side are currently second in the Championship table, and are in a battle with Brighton and Hove Albion for the title, trailing the Seagulls by just two-points.

More significantly for the Magpies, with five fixtures of the season remaining, they are ten-points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town, leaving them well on course for automatic promotion.

As is always the case heading into the summer, players begin to be linked with clubs, and Newcastle are no different.

Benitez was very vocal in January about his need to strengthen his current squad, something he will see as a necessity if his side are competing in the Premier League.

Here is a look at three players Newcastle should be watching in the coming weeks…

Charlie Taylor – Leeds United

Benitez may get a close look at Taylor in the coming week, with the left-back sure to be part of the Leeds squad that is travelling to St James’ Park this Friday.

The 23-year old is a free agent in the summer, with a move to the Premier League surely on the cards, after Leeds failed to renegotiate his contract.

With Paul Dummett currently at the club, Taylor would add strength and depth to the full-back position, something Benitez will be looking to do with a potential Premier League campaign on the horizon.

Andros Townsend – Crystal Palace

Newcastle may not need a scout to watch Townsend, as they know what he is all about, with the midfielder spending the second-half of the 2015/16 season at St James’ Park.

Townsend was linked with a move back to Newcastle during the January transfer window, something that never prevailed.

The 25-year old has played a key role for Sam Allardyce’s side in recent weeks, as they look to survive in the Premier League.

However, a move back to the North-East, where Townsend has previously shone, could suit all parties at the right price.

Fernando Llorente – Swansea City

Securing Llorente’s service may well depend on what division Swansea find themselves in next season, with Paul Clement surely keen to keep his 11-goal striker in Wales if the Swans remain a Premier League side.

However, should Newcastle gain promotion and Swansea find themselves back in the Championship, St James’ Park could be a potential destination for the Spanish international.

Newcastle have relied heavily on the goals of Dwight Gayle this season and Benitez will surely be looking to bolster his attack during the summer.