Newcastle United face a pivotal few weeks.

After avoiding relegation last season it's up the the Tynesiders to kick on and move themselves up the table this time around.

However it won't be easy.

Plenty of sides in the bottom half of the table are showing real signs of intent as they look to bolster their sides ahead of the big kick-off.

But that means that the pressure is on at St James' Park.

A failed takeover bid means that the club are in a state of flux at present, but the focus has to be on strengthening unless they want to risk being embroiled in a basement battle.

As a result several players have been linked with a move, but one position seems to be a real priority.

Newcastle are desperate to sign a left-back following the departures of Jetro Willems this summer, but it could be a familiar face who is targeted, according to Chris Waugh of The Athletic.

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Speaking on TIFO Football Podcast, Waugh said: “Well, Danny Rose obviously came to Newcastle on loan for the second half of last season and he did okay in the end.

"He was a little bit disappointing early on, didn’t look 100% match-fit.

"Steve Bruce really likes him, and I think in an ideal world, he would try and sign him but it’s certainly not an ideal world at Newcastle United at the moment.”

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

Newcastle United certainly need a left back.

It's a big void in their current squad and one that Steve Bruce will be desperate to address in the coming weeks.

For me, Danny Rose is the ideal candidate.

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Valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, the former England man was very impressive during his loan spell at St James' Park last term, and that shows that he has what it takes.

Surplus to requirements with Tottenham, it should be a relatively easy deal to negotiate.

Rose is very much in his prime, and that means that Newcastle can be doing a relatively risk-free deal for a top class player.

It'll be hard to find a better option for Newcastle, and it'll be interesting to see if this is a move that comes to fruition before the end of the window.