Newcastle United linked with 'Arabian Suarez' post-Saudi takeover

Benfica's Greek goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos jumps for the ball with FC Porto's Brazilian forward Tiquinho during the Portuguese league football match between FC Porto and SL Benfica at the Dragao stadium in Porto on February 8, 2020. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Abderazak Hamdallah is a player on the radar of the club's Middle-Eastern-financed owners, with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers’ £300million takeover currently in the hands of the Premier League.

And should the league’s owners and directors test be concluded without issue, a transfer of the remaining balance is all that will remain for the exchange to be set in stone.

According to Foot Mercato, United and Aston Villa want to sign Saudi league frontman Hamdallah.

Hamdallah – who has spent time in the Chinese Super League, as well as spells in his native Morocco, Sweden and Qatar – has scored 75 goals in 60 games for Saudi side Al-Nassr and has a reported £15.7million release clause in his deal.

However, a work permit could be an issue with Hamdallah having not played in 75% of Morocco’s international fixtures in the last three years.

Elsewhere, a report in Greece claims that United could make a move for Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.

The German-born Greece international, 26, has been contacted by United officials, according to Sport 24.

And finally, former United hero Laurent Robert’s son, Thomas Robert, has also been linked with a free transfer switch to St James’s Park.

According to Football Insider, United face competition for the Montpellier man from Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers.