Life is always pretty eventful if you're a Newcastle fan, but you can make it a bit more normal if you take charge of the club on FM.

Unfortunately, you still have to battle with the intrusions of Mike Ashley, but the Magpies have the squad to make a push for Europe in the first season, if you make a couple of shrewd additions. The left-back role is one that clearly needs some investment, whilst the rest of the squad could probably do with a bit more depth.

Cheick Tiote might be one that you could sell to raise a bit of a transfer budget, whilst Papiss Cisse and Mitrovic provide two very good centre-forward options.

The signing of Mbemba makes the defence look a whole lot more secure and Tim Krul has always been a reliable goalkeeper on Football Manager.

If you're about to begin your save, here are FIVE bargains you must consider...

Ashley Cole

Cole is one of the most successful players in English football history and he would be a brilliant bargain addition to play in Newcastle's weak left-back spot.

Ashley Cole's superb career looks to be coming to an end at Roma and he is often available on a free during the first or second season. His experience will be of great use and the 100 cap England man would be a great stop-gap whilst you saved up for a younger option.

Charlie Taylor

If Cole is too short-term for your management style, Leeds' Charlie Taylor is a top quality left-back option.

He will not come cheaply, probably around £6 million, but the full-back will give you several years of high quality service and plenty of assists.

You may want to look for players with a higher reputation, but the Championship can be an utter gold mine.

Mile Jedinak

Central midfield is probably Newcastle's strongest area of their squad, but Jedinak's physicality would be welcome alongside Colback and Anita. If Tiote is to be sold, the experience and power of Jedinak will help to add some solidarity.

Moussa Sissoko is still an option in this position, but, because of his goal threat, he is a lot better utilised in an attacking role.

James Tilley

This starlet will be available for under £1 million at the start of your save and he could be one of the faces of your future attack, along with Rolando Aarons.

Tilley can play in any attacking position and has a relatively rounded game by the time you reach 2020. His dribbling rating will often rise to around 15, whilst the English youngster is often likely to become an adept finisher. Tilley might be worth keeping around your squad by the third season and his role will only grow.

Charlie Austin

Austin is clearly the most expensive signing on this list, but he is as highly rated on FM as he is in real life.

The QPR centre forward is versatile in a number of roles and he will provide you with certain goals considering the number of chances Wijnaldum and Ayoze will create.

If you are looking to move Cisse on, there is no better replacement than Austin.