Newcastle United look set to complete the imminent signing of Dwight Gayle from Crystal Palace in a transfer that sends out a firm message of intent to their Championship rivals.

The Magpies will be in the second tier for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign when they became champions, winning promotion at the very first attempt.

A similar target will be firmly in boss Rafa Benitez’s mind this time around and the signing of Gayle undoubtedly bolsters the club’s chances of winning an immediate return to the Premier League.

The former Peterborough United forward has endured a frustrating time of things during his spell at Crystal Palace and he will relish the challenge of scoring the goals that fire Newcastle back into the top flight.

Gayle is unlikely to be the last player to sign for the Magpies this summer and Football League World writer Lee Clarke takes a look at five players who could join Gayle at St James’ Park next season.

Danny Williams

The Reading central midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Royals this summer and Newcastle United could well be a viable destination for him.

The American has been a solid player for Reading since arriving from Hoffenheim back in 2013, playing close to one hundred times and scoring nine goals.

The 27-year-old will not be sold on the cheap by his current club and Newcastle will have to pay a fair price if they are to tempt the Royal into a sale, nonetheless he would be a solid acquisition for the Magpies next season.

Grant Hanley

The Blackburn Rovers central defender is on the radar of Newcastle United, as the club look to add some steel to their defensive unit.

The 24-year-old has played close to 200 times for Blackburn Rovers and his appearances have come in both the Premier League and the Championship.

Should he sign for the club, Hanley could go onto be a key part of the Newcastle United team for many years to come given his tender years.

Hanley is a Scotland international who possesses strength in abundance and that would make him a quality addition to the team.

The Bournemouth winger is said to be keen on a move north to Newcastle United and he could join Dwight Gayle at St. James’ Park imminently.

Ritchie was superb during his last season in the Championship and his form saw the Cherries claim the title and win promotion to the Premier League for the very first time.

Boss Rafa Benitez has already stated his intention to add players to his squad who boast Championship experience and Ritchie would be a real coup for the club.

The 26-year-old played in all but one of Bournemouth’s Premier League games last season and is blessed with immense skill.

John Flanagan

The Liverpool full-back can play on either side of the back four and he could be allowed to move out on loan during next season.

If he opt for a temporary stint away from Liverpool he would probably prefer not to drop into the Championship, although Newcastle United might be a solitary exception.

Flanagan has been unlucky with a series of injuries over the past couple of years but he is now back and raring to kick-start his career, with more game time an immediate priority for next season.

Newcastle in all likelihood will see Daryl Janmaat leave the club this summer and a Championship quality right-back will be a priority.

Alan Judge

The tricky Brentford winger is still recovering from a broken leg suffered at the back end of last season but he isn’t far away from a return.

The 27-year-old netted 14 times last season for the Bees and was their best player by some distance, making it unlikely that he will be at Griffin Park much longer.

Judge would relish a move to a big club such as Newcastle and a sizeable bid would be accepted by Brentford,who could not offer the same financial clout as the Magpies.

The Republic of Ireland international was linked with Premier League clubs back in January and he might see a move to Newcastle as an indirect route back to the top flight.

Newcastle United fans, would you like to see any of these five at St. James’ Park next season? Who else would you like to see arrive at the club?