Newcastle United head to Ireland in less than three weeks to kick-start their pre-season ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

Martin Dubravka remains the only addition to the playing squad after making his loan deal permanent, with manager Rafa Benitez hoping to add more players to his squad.

The hope was to have at least two or three in before the squad arrived in County Kildare but at present, no bids have been made for any players, and the likelihood of Benitez getting added reinforcements before July 9 looks unlikely.

However, like last year at Carton House and as at the Spanish training camp last season, Benitez is expected to include a handful of youngsters in the side.

Here are five who might make the trip.

Victor Fernandez

Victor Fernandez
Victor Fernandez

The young Spaniard is catching the eye with his performances in the U23s and will be hoping to join the senior team in Ireland just as he did last summer and at the mid-season camp.

He played the final third of United’s 135-minute friendly against Royal Antwerp and impressed Benitez.

Fernandez said of his experience: “Of course I want to play for the first team. Any opportunity I can I want to train and play with the first team.

“Always when I am called across to train with the first team it’s a pleasure for me to be with them and get experience. I want to learn the game they play, which is different and a step up.”

He played 14 times last season for the U23s but will hoping to use pre-season to impress further and make the most of any cup appearances.

Cal Roberts

Newcastle United are set to hand a new contract to promising young winger Cal Roberts
Newcastle United are set to hand a new contract to promising young winger Cal Roberts

Roberts signed a new deal earlier this year and escaped the cull of the U23s as several youngsters were released. He repaid the faith by netting the winner in both the semi and final of the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens championship. Roberts scored three goals in nine games this season for the U23s, and might head out on loan next season.

Dan Barlaser

Dan Barlaser in action for Newcastle United
Dan Barlaser in action for Newcastle United

The youngster had a frustrating 2018-19 season. He joined Crewe on loan but only made four appearances before United cut short the deal due to his lack of game time. A midfielder with clear ability, the 21-year-old now needs to step up and show Benitez what he can do.

He will be hoping to get that chance if included on the plane to Ireland before likely heading out on loan.

Sean Longstaff

Newcastle youngster Sean Longstaff (C) is on loan at Blackpool
Newcastle youngster Sean Longstaff (C) is on loan at Blackpool

Longstaff pent last season on loan Blackpool and hit eight goals in 42 games in League One, gaining many admirers along the way. He has several league clubs wanting to take him on loan but ChronicleLive understands that Benitez is keen to take a look at him in pre-season

Nathan Harker

Goalkeeper Nathan Harker
Goalkeeper Nathan Harker

Harker was on the mid-season trip to Alicante and trained with the senior goalkeepers, gaining some much-needed experience. He played 11 times for the U23s and is held in high regard. This summer he will be hoping to gain some more experience with the first team.