With Rafa Benitez seemingly having free reign on how to shape his Newcastle Squad ahead of the forthcoming season, and with immediate promotion back to the Premier League the undeniable aim, speculation has grown over the future of two key players.

Disastrous as last season was for the Magpies, most of the rare high points were largely down to the play from two of the toon’s marquee singings – Georginio Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend.

Both have since been linked with moves away from the North-East, Roma appearing the likeliest destination for the Dutchman, according to the Chronicle, whilst Townsend is apparently the target of several clubs, including Crystal Palace.

With varying reports of an £8 million release clause in the England wingers contract, and Wijnaldum possessing Champions League experience for PSV Eindhoven before joining Newcastle United, chances of maintaining either may seem slim.

However, with Benitez now in full control of ‘ins and outs’ it might actually be possible for one of them to lead next seasons Championship charge.Which though would be more important to the cause?

Undoubtedly Newcastle need a talismanic figure if they are to come straight back into the top flight, and Benitez will have looked at both players as potential key figures who the side could be built around.

Both have the ability to score and create goals, something most promoted teams from the second tier have. It is doubtful either player saw playing in the Championship as part of there career plan, but if Rafa can somehow keep at least one of them it should be done.

Wijnaldum’s skill and creativity from midfield was fundamental to most of the good results Newcastle had last season – even if they were few and far between. He also chipped in with goals, even ending up as the side’s top scorer.

Particular highlights include a wonderful header on his debut against Southampton, a four goal salvo against Norwich, and man of the match displays at home to Liverpool and Manchester United, also adding a goal in each game.

His form dipped towards the end of the season leading to criticism from sections of the Toon Army. It should not be forgotten though that it was his first in English football, and it was no real surprise he faded in the later months, often looking visibly drained.

He is not the only import from the Dutch league to suffer from this, Dirk Kuyt and Arjen Robben also took time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League. Next season wherever Wijnaldum ends up, he could be a real asset.

Don’t be surprised to see him improve on his eleven goals next term if still in English football. Wijnaldum was at times accused of lacking heart for the relegation fight by many Newcastle fans and this seems to be the biggest issue when trying to envisage him playing week in week out in the Championship.

When last relegated Newcastle had a number of players that may have had nowhere near the ability of a Wijnaldum or a Townsend, but possessed completely the right attitude – hugely determined to get the club back up.

Players like Kevin Nolan, Nicky Butt and Joey Barton led the dressing room and were completely ready for everything the division threw at them. Whether the Dutch international would be in a similar mind frame is doubtful. Regardless of that though, when looking at sheer ability, a player of his stature would be another huge coup for Newcastle in the second tier.

Quite simply Townsend has been a revelation since signing in the January transfer window. In a poor team he has consistently shone – always willing to get on the ball and go past players, he has looked as good as ever since regaining regular first team football.

Like Wijnaldum, he should probably be classed as ‘too good for the Championship’ but in another way a season down there could be the making of him. If he is able to deal with the physical side of the division and still produce goals and assists, he would be looking like a much more rounded player than at any other stage in his career.

What a season out of the top flight would do to his chances of becoming a squad regular for England is hard to predict, but if he was playing regularly and playing well surely he would remain at least in the mix for call-ups.

In the majority of his thirteen appearances at Newcastle he looked like the best player in black and white, and with a good relationship established with Benitez already, he could flourish next season in an easier division.

Whilst keeping either of these midfielders would be a huge boost to Newcastle’s chances of an immediate Premier League return, it is difficult to see them staying, as an array of top-flight clubs have already been linked with an approach.

The argument of playing Championship football hurting the player’s international chances is also a factor, but it is worth remembering Newcastle had Argentine international Jonas Gutiérrez in the squad last time they were in the second tier. At the end of that season he went to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Whilst the ability of Wijnaldum would be a great weapon in Benitez’s arsenal, his lack of fight for the task seems a doubt, and a loan deal to an overseas club could be the best option for both parties at this stage.

Townsend has the required blend of determination and skill that could help the club thrive next season. He could possibly emerge as one of the dressing room leaders.

Even at this early stage such decisions are crucial to shaping the campaign. It could be completely dependant on the quality and quantity of offers both players receive.

If either can be kept, Benitez may have already taken the first step on the road back to the Premier League.