Newcastle United ended a successful first season back in the Premier League by beating Chelsea 3-0 at St James' Park on the final day of the campaign on Sunday, and it was yet another indication of why they need to get Rafa Benitez tied down to a new contract this summer.

The Spaniard led the Magpies to survival with five matches still left to play following a run of four successive wins between the end of March and April, and he has made it clear that he isn't willing to commit his long-term future to the Tyneside outfit unless he gets assurances from owner Mike Ashley – Toon fans were left unimpressed on Twitter following his latest statement – that there will be money to spend to take the club forward.

While the 58-year-old has done a magnificent job this term, it is clear to see that the team needs some more experience and quality in key areas if they are to improve on a 10th-place finish in the 2018/19 campaign.

Having so far failed to do so, Ashley now needs to show his commitment to his manager and back him in the transfer market this summer, and that will include spending money to bring in the quality of players that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss wants.

Here are three marquee signings the Sports Direct tycoon must reward Benitez with this summer…

While Paul Dummett has been a brilliant servant for Newcastle and impressed this season – especially from a defensive point of view – there is certainly a feeling that the Magpies may need a slightly more attacking left-back next season in order to boost their threat in the final third.

Luke Shaw has had a rollercoaster season again having been in and out of the Manchester United side and, once again, publicly criticised by manager Jose Mourinho, and it would surely be best for all parties involved if he left Old Trafford this summer.

The England international may not come on the cheap, but he would certainly have the energy to get up and down the pitch that Newcastle would want in that position, while he would also have a huge point to prove to show he can still be a top-class performer at this level.

One area Benitez will be sure to want to strengthen this summer is his attacking options after his side only scored 39 goals in 38 Premier League matches this season.

The Magpies probably need a centre-forward and another winger, and they could kill two birds with one stone by making a move for Nice attacker Alassane Plea.

The Frenchman, who is capable of playing in either position, has scored 19 goals and provided a further six assists in 48 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit this term, and he would bring some pace and a much-needed threat to a goal-shy frontline.

It's fair to say that despite his goal against Chelsea on Sunday, Dwight Gayle shouldn't be a long-term centre-forward option for Newcastle if they are to progress, and Joselu certainly doesn't look as though he will find the net on a regular basis either.

Benitez will want a proven striker this summer and one of his top targets – if Ashley is willing to back him – should be Real Sociedad's Willian Jose.

The Brazilian has scored 20 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions – and 34 in 73 since he joined the club – for the La Liga outfit this term, and he would provide some much-needed strength and aerial presence up top for the Magpies.

Do you agree, Newcastle fans? Let us know below.