Newcastle United look set to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking this summer, but the real challenge comes next season - when the Magpies will have to hold their own in the increasingly competitive English top flight.

Indeed, Rafa Benitez will need to make a few more signings in the coming transfer window to further boost an impressive squad and most expect Newcastle to turn to foreign leagues once again, the main recruitment strategy during their last stint in the Premier League.

But that transfer policy caused as many problems as it solved for last time and there's plenty of quality in the Championship, already well-acquainted with the unique challenges of English football. Indeed, it's the most lucrative, most watched and most competitive second tier in the world by some distance.

With that in mind, we asked Newcastle fans earlier this week to vote for which Championship stars from rival clubs they'd like to see Benitez move for this summer. The results of our exclusive poll are now in, so here's a rundown of the top three...

3. Anthony Knockaert

A very strong candidate for Player of the Year, nobody in the Championship has excited Brighton fans and neutrals alike quite like Anthony Knockaert this season. Borderline unstoppable when coming inside on his left foot, the French magician has conjured up 13 goals and seven assists in 37 outings this term, serving as the Seagulls' talisman as they look to hold onto the second automatic promotion spot. Knockaert's top flight dream turned into a nightmare at Leicester City but whether it's with Brighton or another club, he looks almost certain to be running at defences in the Premier League next term.

2. Ryan Sessegnon

Is there a more impressive youngster in English football right now? Indeed, Ryan Sessegnon is just 16 years of age and more often than not lines up at left-back, but already has six senior goals under his belt after making his Fulham debut this season - including a brace against Newcastle earlier this month and a strike past Premier League outfit Hull City in the Third Round of the FA Cup. Quickly gaining admirers from the very top end of the Premier League, however, any potential interest from Newcastle is likely to be dwarfed.

1. Tom Cairney

The second Fulham star to make the top three and with good reason - promotion may be prove to be beyond the west Londoners this season but they've been good value, scoring the second-most goals of any Championship side. Our poll's winner Tom Cairney has been crucial in that, creating a staggering 95 chances, nine of which were converted, and putting away a further nine himself. Having also thoroughly impressed during his time at Blackburn Rovers and upon his debut for the Scottish national team, the 26-year-old looks more than ready for top flight football and could be a realistic rival star for Newcastle to bring with them to the Premier League.

Results

[ad_pod id='playwire' align='center']