With Newcastle United currently leading the way in the Sky Bet Championship, and just eight fixtures of the season remaining, it is looking highly likely the Magpies will secure an instant return to the Premier League.
Rafa Benitez’s side hold a point advantage over Brighton and Hove Albion, but more importantly lead third-placed Huddersfield Town by seven-points, leaving the Magpies in a commanding position to secure automatic promotion.
It would be foolish to think Newcastle’s promotion was a forgone conclusion, but most people believe they will surely be heading back to the top-flight in May.
Some of Benitez’s potential transfer targets are beginning to appear in the media, with Manchester United and England left-back, Luke Shaw, recently linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson was the latest name to appear as a potential target for Benitez, with the Magpies’ boss reportedly keen to land a £15m deal for the Iceland international.
Following the link between Newcastle and Sigurdsson, we look at TWO others who could be on their way to St James’ Park in the summer…
Andre Gray
Benitez is keen to add to his striking options ahead of the 2017/18 campaign, with Newcastle heavily reliant on the goals of Dwight Gayle this season.
Burnley’s Andre Gray has scored eight Premier League goals this season, as Sean Dyche’s side look set to maintain their top-flight status.
Newcastle could potentially lure Gray away from Turf Moor, with the Magpies seemingly able to offer the 25-year old a much better financial deal.
The Magpies showed last summer they have the potential to pick up players from the smaller Premier League sides, when they secured the service of Matt Ritchie from Bournemouth.
Jack Wilshere
The Arsenal and England midfielder has spent the 2016/17 season on-loan with Bournemouth, where he has featured on 25 occasions for Eddie Howe’s side.
However, the 25-year old’s future is in doubt, with it unclear if he features in Arsenal’s plans next season.
There is no doubting Wilshere’s ability as either a deep lying midfielder or ‘number 10’, and if he stays injury free he could be an excellent acquisition for most Premier League sides.
Should Benitez’s side gain promotion to the Premier League, St James’ Park could be the perfect place for Wilshere to restart his faltering career.