With funds not available in plenty for Rafael Benitez during the summer transfer window, the Spaniard has had to make the best use of the loan and free market.
One of the summer signings who arrived on a free transfer was Ki Sung-yueng. The South Korea international, who has 108 caps for his country, joined the Magpies from Swansea City on a free transfer.
At Tyneside, he has struggled for regular games. He has only made two Premier League starts this season, and the other two have come from the bench.