Loic Remy isn't walking through that door

Loic Remy is expected to make his return to the pitch this weekend when they host Stoke City, which should be good news for a Newcastle team that has struggled to score without him in the lineup. The relief will likely be short-lived however, as the Toon have just four games left with the on-loan striker. Even if parent club Queens Park Rangers fail to advance through the Championship play-off next month, there's little to no chance that Alan Pardew will be able to retain his services.

Clubs interested in Remy reportedly include Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and now Atletico Madrid (Sky Sports), all clubs that have wage structures that dwarf Newcastle's. Others will surely join them, and the man who once reneged on a transfer deal to join relegation-threated QPR will have his pick of the litter.

We don't have to wonder about what kind of hole Remy will leave when he departs - it will look something like the last six weeks if nothing changes. So what can Newcastle do? There have been mixed messages coming out of Benton regarding the transfer policy, but according to Managing Director Lee Charnley, the club will purchase "one or two" players over the next calendar year. If that's the case, the only players Graham Carr should be scouting this summer should be forwards that can step in and score goals with very little creative help from the midfield.

If they've only got one shot, they can't get it wrong. Too bad one of the players they know works in this system is almost a lock not to sign.