Newcastle United takeover & transfer news: DOUBLE attacking midfielder links as Saudi bid doubts emerge

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22 (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool during a green shoot at Anfield on February 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

While the Premier League still mull over whether they will give the Newcastle United takeover by a Saudi consortium the green light as part of their owners and directors tests, the links to players and managers continue across the continent.

And Xherdan Shaqiri is the latest name to be linked with United, as well as fresh talk of a move for Philippe Coutinho.

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle have begun talks to sign Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho after Bayern Munich decided they will not be taking up their option to sign the Brazil international this summer.

Coutinho has failed to make a positive impression at both Barca and Bayern, following on from his mega-money move from Liverpool.

Meanwhile, looks set to leave Anfield this summer with the Daily Mail claiming the Magpies could offer an escape route.

Shaqiri’s gametime with the Reds has been limited this season, with the player recently speaking out about his first-team frustrations.

According to the report Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp would not stand in the Switzerland international, should he wish to depart.

Shaqiri has made just ten appearances for Liverpool this season.

And finally, fresh reports claim United’s Saudi takeover could be in doubt due to links to piracy.

But sources close to the bid are bemused by these claims, with no one put forward to be directors at United linked to piracy, or organisations set up to deal with it in the Middle East.