Newcastle United's slip in recent weeks has opened the door for the rest of the title-chasing sides to put pressure on Rafael Benitez' side at the top of the Championship, and it's set to mark a fierce second-half of the season.

Having won seven consecutive matches in a row, and looking like a sure bet for the title, Benitez' side have now suffered three consecutive defeats in all competitions and have seen Brighton cut the deficit to just one-point at the top of the pile.

The competitive nature of the Championship means that nothing can ever be taken for granted and Benitez will have learned that lesson, with the Spaniard now looking at January recruits which can bolster his side for the promotion push and also establish the Magpies as a capable side for their return to the Premier League.

One man on Benitez' shortlist is Rangers midfielder Josh Windass and he'd prove to be a shrewd acquisition, which would make Newcastle's midfield look extremely threatening.

Here's how the Magpies could line-up with Windass amongst their ranks.....

RM: Matt Ritchie

The 27-year-old has regularly played on the right for Newcastle United this season, although he has played in other areas at times during the campaign, but he's proved to be a tremendous asset to the Magpies going forward.

Netting three goals and securing five assists during his 17 appearances in the Championship this season, Ritchie is capable of providing the difference at the other end and laying chances on a plate for the forwards within the side.

CM: Jonjo Shelvey

Seen by many as one of the best players to ever grace the Championship, Jonjo Shelvey needs to be playing Premier League football and his performances from the centre of midfield have been magificient for the Magpies this term.

Also boasting three goals and five assists, Shelvey has helped Newcastle's attack stand-out as the best in the division and the potential arrival of Josh Windass as a midfield partner to the England international would bolster Newcastle's side further.

CM: Josh Windass

Still only 22, Josh Windass is definitely one to watch in the future but he's capable of making an immediate impact within the first-team.

His time with Rangers has been hampered by a hamstring injury, limiting him to just 12 appearances, but he's done enough to stand-out for Mark Warburton's side.

Windass' performances for Accrington Stanley last season also stand-out as the youngster managed to score an impressive 17 goals from his midfield role and similar performances for Newcastle will go a long way.

LM: Yoan Gouffran

The veteran of the Newcastle midfield, Yoan Gouffran is another who's proved to be a huge asset this season as he's notched up three goals and one assist when playing on the left-side of midfield. Overall, he's played 15 Championship matches this term.

With vast experience, Gouffran can aid Windass significantly in the youngster's development and partnering the Frenchman in midfield alongside the new recruit should aid Windass settle into the rigours of Championship football very quickly.