Benitez to raid Fulham for star midfielder

Newcastle are in pole position to bounce straight back up into the Premier League after a season where they have dominated in the Championship. Under the tutelage of Rafa Benitez they look to be about to do what many before them have struggled with and acclimatise to life in the lower league, showing their superiority consistently.

Now with only 8 games left, the magpies see themselves with an 7 point advantage over third place, meaning they may now need to start have one eye on signings for next season ... in the top flight.

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Reports today suggest Benitez' first signing may be Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney, a player they looked at earlier in the season, only to be put off by his £20million price tag.

However this season he has been one of the Championship's standout performers, having scored 9 goals and gaining 11 assists, meaning that Benitez has revisited the idea of bringing him to St James Park, especially now that it is believed he could be available for as little as £12million, if Fulham fail to gain promotion. After a poor start to the season, a resurgence, partly due to Cairney's form, from the West London club has seen them put themselves within touching distance of a play-off place.