Newcastle United have been leading the title race in the Championship all-season and Rafa Benitez's men are widely thought to be the favourites for promotion when May rolls around in a couple of months.

Barring a couple of home defeats, the feel-good factor has certainly been back at St James' Park this season and under the Spaniard, things certainly seem to be looking up in the North East once again.

It's been a good season for the Mapgies who, unlike Aston Villa, have acclimatised to what is needed to do well in a division like this and a return to the top-flight shouldn't be too far away at all.

But when the season does wrap up, there are a certain number of individuals in this side that will need to consider their futures at the club. There are players good enough to step up to an even higher level and also players who won't have had enough game-time and might be considering a move away from the club.

So with that in mind, here's TWO Newcastle United players whose careers are at a real crossroads...

Dwight Gayle

Dwight Gayle is back from injury and will be looking to rediscover some of his excellent early-season form as his side continue to push for the title.

But it might prove to be a tempting summer for the former Crystal Palace man, who will have certainly picked up some admirers after his solid goalscoring form throughout much of the campaign.

If a bigger side does come knocking, should he make the step up or instead, should he continue to lead the line in a very exciting era for Newcastle United? Only time will tell.

Grant Hanley

Signed this summer from Blackburn Rovers, Grant Hanley has actually done little wrong when given a shot in the Newcastle United first-team.

But for a player of his quality and experience, he really needs to be playing more regularly and with the quality the Toon have in their back-line, that has proved difficult at times for the Scottish international.

At this level, he's one of the best around and he might be considering a move away if he wants to get regular minutes on the pitch once again. Lascelles and Clark have been fantastic and it might not be a pairing that will be broken anytime soon.