Always look on the bright side of life.

While relegation hit the Toon Army harder than a challenge from Chieck Tiote, the fans on Tyneside have every reason to be optimistic ahead of the new season, especially with Rafa Benitez confirmed as their manager for the upcoming campaign.

The man who was managing Real Madrid this time last season will now be building a team looking for an immediate (and necessary) return to the top flight.

Benitez has admitted to the press that the interruption of Euro 2016 is making it hard to sign players. However, with the competition coming to an end in just two weeks, expect the transfer activity in and out of St James’s Park to be rife.

To tickle the taste buds of the Toon Army, here are FIVE Premier League stars that Bentiez could lure to Newcastle...

Patrick Bamford

Patrick Bamford

With Newcastle in the hunt for a new man to lead the line at St. James’s next season and Bamford available this summer, either as a loan or permanent transfer, this move could well be on the horizon.

While the young Englishman has failed to establish himself in the Premier League, he was a fully-fledged sensation in the Championship and could provide the Toon with plenty of goals.

James Morrison

James Morrison

Still in talks with West Brom over a new deal, it seems that James Morrison remains unsure over his future.

Born and bred in the North-East, some reports have suggested that the Scottish international is keen to return home, whether that be with former club Middlesbrough or another club in the area.

While Morrison may not be the marquee signing that will excite Newcastle fans, he is a player of Premier League quality who would stand out as one of the best talents in the Championship.

Kolo Toure

Kolo Toure (Liverpool)

Over 350 appearances in the Premier League over 14 years make Kolo Toure a veteran of the top flight.

Despite his age, the Ivorian is still an excellent defender and he demonstrated this perfectly towards the end of the season at Liverpool, where he was arguably the Reds best player.

The defence at St. James’ is in serious need of a facelift and a player of Toure’s calibre would be the perfect addition.

Stephane Sessegnon

Stephane Sessegnon

Now a free agent after being released by West Brom, Stephane Sessegnon is a tricky customer to handle for both managers and opposing players.

However, if he is allowed a decent run in the first team and finds himself settled on Tyneside, the Benin international could well be the best player outside of the English top flight.

Forget his past tenure with Sunderland, Sessegnon has plenty to prove and will be hungry for the challenge, especially with Rafa Benitez at his side.

Matt Ritchie

Matt Ritchie (centre)

If reports are to be believed, Newcastle are planning an ambitious move for Bournemouth star Matt Ritchie…and what a coup it would be, if they can pull it off.

Having impressed unconditionally in his first season in the top flight, Ritchie will likely want to stay in the Premier League.

However, with Bournemouth likely to be battling relegation and Newcastle one of the biggest teams in the country, the 26-year-old could well be persuaded to move down a level, in order to progress his career in the long run.