Benitez should leave no Stone unturned in boosting Toon

STEVE Stone believes Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez will make radical changes to his Magpies squad this summer – and could even cash in on top-scorer Dwight Gayle to generate funds to reinvest.

Former Magpies’ first-team coach Stone – who was part of the backroom staff during both Alan Pardew and John Carver’s tenures – insists the current Newcastle side would struggle to survive in the Premier League.

As a result he expects another summer of frenetic activity from Newcastle boss Benitez - if, as expected, the Magpies secure promotion during the final four games of the campaign.

Interestingly, despite having netted 22 goals in the second tier this season, Stone does not appear convinced 26-year-old Gayle would be as prolific in the top flight - suggesting Benitez may be tempted to sell the striker for a profit and then reinvest the funds.

“He might even get rid of the likes of Dwight Gayle,” Stone said during BBC Radio Five Live’s commentary of the 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Friday night.

“Somebody might come in and offer £15million, £20m – a team from the Championship to try and get back up.

“He might be sold to try and better Newcastle. That is what might happen here.

“They are going to have to sell to try and get better players into the team.”

One area in particular where Gateshead-born ex-England international winger Stone believes Newcastle must strengthen is in defence.

The ex-Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest winger believes the Magpies are “not good enough” at the back and expects defensive reinforcements to be signed this summer.

The 45-year-old added: “They need better players.

“There is no way they can go up to the Premier League with this team and hope to survive.

“Defensively they are just not good enough.

“I have seen Newcastle all season and they do concede goals.” Ex-Newcastle coach Steve Stone