Newcastle United will be looking to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking in the upcoming season, with Rafa Benitez the man tasked with delivering that outcome.

The Spaniard has slowly started putting his own stamp on the team, with big money signings like Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie added to what is already a star studded squad.

The Newcastle squad does have players in it who will be no doubt be being looked at by other teams, with players like Gino Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko consistently linked with moves away.

However, among the squad up at St James Park, there are players who will be looking over their shoulder following poor seasons last time out.

Newcastle have brought in plenty of players over the last few seasons, and with the new additions made this summer, Rafa Benitez will be looking for excuses to move a few on.

With this in mind, here are THREE Newcastle players who are definitely fighting for their futures at the club...

Emmanuel Riviere

The French striker has been poor to say the least since he joined the club in 2014, and he will be one who is definitely looking over his shoulder this summer.

The France under-21 international has scored just a handful of goals during his time with the club, and has done little to impress fans in the terms of overall performances.

Riviere will surely be moved on this summer by Benitez barring a minor miracle in pre-season training and friendlies. However, an upturn in work rate and performance level can sometimes convince a manager to give them a chance, and Riviere will be hoping he can fall into this category during the summer.

Adam Armstrong

The young striker will be hoping for a chance under Benitez next season, but there is no question he faces a fight to get a place in the team.

Armstrong impressed at Coventry last season, but the addition of Dwight Gayle suggest Benitez prefers other options alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic next term, and Armstrong will be hoping for a strong pre-season to try and impress his manager.

Another loan move could well be on the cards should Armstrong not impress enough during the summer, however, should he hit the ground running, he might just be the ace in the pace Benitez is looking for this season.

Sammy Ameobi

Another homegrown talent on the radar for a potential move is Sammy Ameobi, who after spending last season on loan with Cardiff, did little really to impress his bosses at St James Park.

Ameobi has the ability, with plenty of pace and trickery in his locker, however he has failed to really deliver and live up to the expectation placed on him.

Matt Ritchie has signed and will definitely occupy one of the wide positions, meaning Ameobi might well have to prove himself over the summer months.

If Ameobi is to have a future with Newcastle, then he needs to show some willing and put the work in to catch Benitez's eye.

Newcastle fans, what do you think to this? Who else is looking over their shoulder? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!