Five players Newcastle United should target this summer ahead of their Premier League return

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Tom Cairney – Fulham

Newcastle United showed an interest in Tom Cairney in January and made a move for the Scottish international, according to the Telegraph, but the valuation from Fulham was too high at that stage.

However, now that the Cottagers have missed out on promotion, they may be more willing to sell the midfielder, especially if he wants to leave in order to play Premier League football.

Under Benitez, the Magpies have been over-reliant on Jonjo Shelvey for creativity from deep and that is an area they need to address this summer.

Last season, Cairney averaged 2.72 chances created per ninety minutes, which was more than the Newcastle midfielder (2.34). Meanwhile, he was also more reliable in possession as he completed 92% of his passes compared to Shelvey’s 79%.

There are differences in their style of play, with Cairney more adept at playing further forward in a number ten role, which means they could operate in the same eleven.

There will be those that believe targeting a Championship player doesn’t show ambition, but the Fulham captain is one of the best players in the division and has the ability to step up to the Premier League. It would be a smart addition to the Newcastle squad.