Newcastle United's side is certainly one in transition. Several of last season's new signings will be shipped on for a variety of reasons, ranging from poor debut season performances to excessive wages and Rafa Benitez will have to build his squad around a few key players in the squad.

Many experienced players will be leaving the side, with the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jonjo Shelvey all linked with moves away, so the youth will have to step up to the plate and show that they are ready to lead this Newcastle side back to the Premier League.

A 4-2-3-1 system looks the most likely for the Spaniard to play next season, and building on solid foundations will be key if the Magpies want to win promotion in arguably the tightest Championship in the last decade.

Here are THREE players who will form the core of Newcastle United next season.

Jamaal Lascelles

The young centre back has been capped by England at youth level, and Rafa Benitez will be keen to build the back four around the former Nottingham Forest defender after losing long serving centre half Fabricio Coloccini moved to Cordoba in Argentina.

After coming in to the side towards the back end of the season, Lascelles put in some impressive performances, and had Newcastle fans why he wasn't starting games earlier.

He will be key for the Toon Army next season.

Jonjo Shelvey

The former Liverpool and Swansea midfielder was practically anonymous last season as the club dropped into the Championship, but if he can replicate the form that earned him an England cap whilst playing for Swansea then the North East giants will be in good hands.

There is no doubt that Shelvey would be in the top 3 midfielders in the division if he stays, but keeping him at St James' Park could prove difficult for Rafa Benitez.

Aleksandar Mitrovic

After signing in the summer from Belgian side Anderlecht, the was a lot of hype above the Serbian's head, but he failed to really live up to expectations in his first season, without being a total flop.

Rafa Benitez will work on his temper over the summer, and if he can get him scoring on a consistent basis, Mitrovic could be the best striker in the Championship next season, and those on Tyneside could be on track for a return to the Premier League.