Newcastle United have endured a very tough start to the Premier League season, with the North East side second from bottom and looking short on quality.

Rafa Benitez has been understandably frustrated with his lack of backing this summer, with his squad containing many of the players that got the Magpies promoted two years ago.

Owner Mike Ashley seems reluctant to make money available for the Spanish manager, which has seen Benitez look for bargains in comparison to other top-flight sides.

That will surely be the case this January, which means Benitez may want to look to the Championship to bring in players to strenghten his squad.

Here we look at TWO of the standout performers in the second-tier so far that would make a difference to his side...

The Swansea striker has been brilliant this season, scoring four goals in eight games. However, it's his overall game that makes him a good option too.

McBurnie is happy to link play, but is a natural number nine in that he has good movement, plays on the shoulder and can sniff out chances.

At just 22, he is only going to get better as well, whilst Newcastle's goalscoring problems are well-known.

The Scotland striker could solve that issue over the long-term.

Whilst it's easy to blame the Newcastle strikers for the lack of goals, the reality is that they lack imagination and creativity in the final third too.

One man who would change that is Leeds United's Samu Saiz. He was excellent after immediately joining the Whites 12 months ago, but struggled as the season progressed.

However, he has got even better this season under Marcelo Bielsa and has taken his game to another level.

He can beat players with ease, has good vision and is a spark that Benitez's men currently lack.