3 players under threat in Benitez team if Newcastle takeover completed

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If Newcastle are sold by Mike Ashley and manager Rafa Benitez is given more funds in January, are these three players under threat?

Mike Ashley, owner of Newcastle United, and Lee Charnley, managing director of Newcastle United, both look on from the stands.

Mike Ashley has put Newcastle United up for sale, as reported by the Chronicle, and if the Premier League club get new owners then manager Rafa Benitez could potentially be given funds to improve the squad in January.

If that does happen then some current players could find their place under threat and here are three that could well find replacements being signed in the New Year.

Robert Elliot of Newcastle United during the Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Rob Elliot

Benitez was left frustrated at a lack of incoming transfer activity at St James’ Park and according to the Telegraph, a new goalkeeper was one of the deals that was not completed.

Elliot has been solid enough this season, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if a new stopper was brought in to try and instill some authority at the back.

Newcastle striker Joselu in action during the Premier League match against Liverpool.

Joselu

The same report claimed that even after the signing of Joselu from Stoke City, Benitez still wanted another striker and it is easy to see why with Dwight Gayle struggling for form and Aleksandar Mitrovic’s temperament under question.

The Spaniard may have scored two Premier League goals but hardly looks a natural finisher and a new number nine leading the line would surely be a priority.

Chancel Mbemba

Mbemba has had more game time this term than was perhaps expected due to him being drafted in as an unorthodox left-back because of an injury to Paul Dummett.

However, the 23-year-old has not played the last two matches with Javier Manquillo preferred and with three also ahead of him at centre-back and a new full-back probably on the January wish-list, the defender could be well down the pecking order.