Newcastle look set to return to the Premier League in time for 2017/18, but manager Rafa Benitez will undoubtedly want funds at his disposal this summer to make sure the Magpies can be competitive in the top flight, rather than find themselves yo-yo-ing between the divisions for the next few years.

And it appears the Toon gaffer already has one option on his radar in the form of Ryan Shawcross, who has been described by The Independent as Benitez's top transfer target for the summer window.

Stoke City captain and now into his ninth Premier League campaign, the one-time England international comes with the proven top-flight pedigree and leadership qualities Newcastle will need to re-establish themselves in the first tier over the next few seasons.

Furthermore, with his contract due to expire at the end of summer 2018, the potential is there for Newcastle to nab hi at a reasonable price this summer - Transfermarkt.com rate him at £9.35million, which certainly seems like the right ballpark.

Earlier this week, we asked Newcastle fans whether they'd back a summer swoop for Shawcross and according to our exclusive poll, a staggering 88% would. Do you agree with the Magpies majority? Let us know by commenting below!

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