Newcastle moved one step closer to qualifying for the Champions League with a 3-1 home win over Southampton on Sunday.

The Magpies, who sit in third position, are now nine points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with five matches left to play.

The Newcastle board were initially set to adopt a conservative approach to the summer window, but with Champions League football now in the equation, they are prepared to back Eddie Howe ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Although they are likely to strengthen in a number of areas, Howe is reportedly keen to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

As a result, Sport Mole have examined five potential midfielders that Newcastle could sign in the summer transfer window.

James Maddison (Leicester City)

Leicester City are currently in the midst of a relegation battle, but James Maddison has continued to shine for the Foxes, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 27 competitive appearances.

Even if Maddison helps Leicester secure Premier League safety, he is likely to depart the King Power Stadium, with his contract set to expire in June 2024.

There is currently no indication that he is close to agreeing a new deal, and the Foxes will want to avoid a situation similar to that of Youri Tielemans, who has been allowed to run his contract down and will depart on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Newcastle allegedly had a £50m bid rejected for Maddison last year, but there is a belief that Leicester would accept the same amount this summer.

Maddison is likely to be tempted by the prospect of playing Champions League football - a competition that he has never previously appeared in.

Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan)

Marcelo Brozovic has spent the last seven years of his career with Inter Milan, registering 30 goals and 38 assists in 320 competitive appearances.

The Croatia international has enjoyed success during his time with the Nerazzurri, having won a Serie A title, a Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups.

With the Italian giants in the Champions League last four and the Coppa Italia final, Brozovic could add to his collection of winners' medals, but this may be his final season in an Inter shirt.

Despite having three years left to run on his contract, Brozovic could be sold this summer as Inter look to raise funds to improve their economic situation.

A recent report claimed that Newcastle are prepared to meet Inter's asking price, which is believed to be £31m.

With 37 Champions League appearances to his name, the defensive midfielder has considerable experience of competing in Europe's elite club competition.

Scott McTominay (Manchester United)

Like Brozovic, Scott McTominay is another midfielder that could be brought in to shield the Newcastle backline.

The Manchester United academy product has featured in 205 games for the senior side, contributing 19 goals and five assists.

McTominay has a contract until the summer of 2025 with an option to extend by a further year, but there is currently speculation surrounding his long-term future at Man United.

The Scotland international has fallen down the pecking order since Casemiro and Christian Eriksen joined the club last summer, and he has had to settle for 10 Premier League starts as a result.

McTominay, who has missed Man United's last six competitive games through injury, could reportedly be available for a fee in the region of £50m.

James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse has been with the South-coast club since the age of eight, and he has risen through the academy ranks to make 405 appearances for the senior side.

The Saints are currently propping up the Premier League table and are six points adrift from safety with four games to play.

As a result, their 11-year stay in the top flight looks set to come to an end, which has led to speculation about Ward-Prowse's future.

Having scored 53 times and contributed 51 assists in his Southampton career, the 28-year-old would bring goals and creativity to the Newcastle midfield, while he is also regarded as one of the best set-piece specialists in the Premier League.

A recent report claimed that Newcastle are monitoring the player's situation alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Gabri Veiga (Celta Vigo)

Gabri Veiga, who can play as a central and attacking midfielder, has been in fine form for Celta Vigo this season.

The 20-year-old has registered nine goals and four assists across 29 La Liga appearances during the 2022-23 campaign.

Despite having a contract until June 2026, the Spaniard's impressive performances have led to talk of a potential summer departure.

Celta president Carlos Mourino has previously indicated that Veiga will only leave if his €40m (£35m) release clause is activated.

Newcastle could face competition for his signature, with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid all showing an interest.