Newcastle United were linked with a move for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney by The Chronicle in January, and it is interest that is sure to be reignited in the summer following the 26-year-old’s scintilating performance at St James’ Park on Saturday.

While 16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon may have stolen the headlines after scoring twice in the Whites’ 3-1 win against the Magpies on Tyneside, it was once again one of the Championship’s most consistent and impressive performers who also shone.

Rafa Benitez’s men were reportedly quoted £20m, according to The Chronicle, when they enquired about the 26-year-old in the previous transfer window, and Cairney put in a showing that was worthy of that price tag at the weekend.

He gave his side the lead when he smashed a shot past Karl Darlow from 25 yards, but it was his overall contribution that would have impressed the Spaniard in the opposition dugout, and shows why Fulham are so keen to keep hold of their star man.

The attacking midfielder scored one goal from two shots, and made three key passes during the afternoon.

His ability to win fouls in dangerous areas, and relieve some of the pressure on his teammates, was also shown by the fact that he won four fouls throughout the contest.

It is perhaps his quality and awareness on the ball that was most impressive though, with Cairney completing 83 passes with an overall success percentage of 94%.

If Newcastle United do get promoted at the end of the season and Fulham fail to make the play-offs, then we can expect that interest in Cairney to be ramped up in the summer because there is no doubt that he can be a Premier League player.