The Sky Sports pundit believes Newcastle United, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion will be in direct competition for signings.
Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder David Prutton
Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has suggested two areas in which Newcastle United will need to add if they make it back to the Premier League next season.
The Magpies are nine points clear of third place at the top of the Championship with a squad that Prutton feels would have been good enough to survive relegation had it remained in the top flight this campaign.
However, the 35-year-old is aware that some strengthening will be required if Rafa Benitez’s side do return, notably at centre-back and in central midfield.
“Jamaal Lascelles is going to be a fantastic player but he could do with a bit of experience around him to guide him along next season,” Prutton told Sky Sports.
“Jonjo Shelvey is a Premier League player but it’s all about whether he can affect players around him to get the best out of them. To have another midfielder alongside Shelvey who can score goals would be ideal, but they don’t exactly grow on trees. They’d need to improve the spine of that team to compete above the relegation places.”
According to Prutton, Newcastle’s stature should ensure they have few issues recruitment-wise, and the former Leeds United midfielder went on to explain how the Magpies’ return could spell problems for rival clubs such as Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion.
“Newcastle will be able to attract the same level of players that the likes of Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion will be in the market for,” he added.
“From a player’s perspective he’d be looking to play for Newcastle because of the perceived size of the club, but longevity could play a part as Stoke and West Brom are proven mid-table teams at the top level while Newcastle would have it to prove.
“You get the feeling that Benitez wants another crack at the Premier League and to do it on his own terms.”
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Newcastle brought in 12 new faces during last summer’s transfer window and could be set for another busy closed-season, with four players out of contract and Christian Atsu’s loan deal expiring.
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