After Newcastle's relegation, it was inevitable that some of their best players would be lured back towards the Premier League. Andros Townsend was the first to leave, for the bright lights of Crystal Palace, and now it is Georginio Wijnaldum who is set to leave St James' for a return to the top flight of the English game.

Even retaining Rafa Benitez's services as manager could not avoid the temptation for players to jump ship this summer, as others now eye up their chance of a move to one of the Premier League sides that helped send Newcastle back to the doldrums of the Championship.

Newcastle have already made several shrewd additions to their squad this summer, it has been proof that even dropping down a division will not stop a club from being able to attract quality players. As we edge towards the beginning of the Championship season, the Magpies will be hoping to make a couple more acquisitions.

Here we have FIVE who could be seen as replacements for Wijnaldum...

James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse has become somewhat of a versatility player at Southampton, but the star youngster will need to make a role his own if he is to develop into the world-class player that so many believe he can be.

A different type of midfielder from Wijnaldum, Ward-Prowse can play in a deeper central role, off the striker or from the right of midfield and is one of the best deliverers of a cross in the English game.

Davy Klaasen

If Newcastle are going to dream big on their Wijnaldum replacement, Davy Klaasen is a damn good place to start.

The 23-year-old Ajax midfielder can play anywhere from a number six to a shadow striker and notched 13 goals - with eight assists - during the Eredivisie last time around.

He wouldn't come cheaply, but Klaasen would be a signing of real intent for Newcastle and a player who could become a club legend over the next few years.

Lars Stindl

Borussia Monchengladbach's Lars Stindl is admittedly more of a forward than a midfielder, but Newcastle's need for goals in their current squad is greater than the need for creators.

Able to play wide or in a central midfield position if required, Stindl also has an eye for a pass and registered 1.8 key passes per match in the Bundesliga last season.

Adam Lallana

Although a swap deal seems unlikely, Adam Lallana is falling lower down the pecking order with each new signing at Liverpool and he might well be looking for a new challenge after the signing of Georginio Wijnaldum.

The talent of Lallana is without question and there is no better manager than Rafa Benitez to increase the ex-Southampton man's end product.

A step down to the Championship would be a big ask for Lallana, mind.

Bojan

After starring under Mark Hughes initially, Bojan spent the majority of last season either recovering from injury or warming the bench alongside Peter Crouch.

As Stoke look to find the best system to suit Arnautovic and Shaqiri, it is becoming harder to see where Bojan fits if he isn't playing as a false nine.

When used as a 10 at Stoke, their strength of their midfield trio has been a concern. However, this is not such a worry for Newcastle.

The Spaniard can create something from nothing and would be the perfect player for Newcastle.