Newcastle United takeover & transfer news: Magpies tipped to sign Barcelona, Real Madrid and Lyon stars

(L-R) Real Madrid's Dominicans forward Mariano Diaz, Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale, Real Madrid's Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo and Real Madrid's Serbian forward Luka Jovic run during a training session at the club's training ground in Valdebebas in the outskirts of Madrid on February 29, 2020 on the eve of the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Magpies are on the verge of a £300million takeover by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Reuben Brothers and Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners, with the Premier League in the process of poring over documents submitted as part of the body’s owners and directors test.

An announcement could come on that front next week – and if they get the green light, and target former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, Berbatov – a Newcastle United fan – thinks Bale will be top of the Argentine’s transfer wishlist.

“If the rumours are true, and Newcastle are looking at appointing Mauricio Pochettino, it would be a great move for the team," he said in a football column for Betfair.

"If he goes there then it will be the first sign from the new owners, to the players they are targeting, that the club means business.

"If you put Pochettino in charge at Newcastle and you go and speak to players, trust me they will pay more attention and take the offer seriously, and I'm talking about big players as well.

"I know Gareth Bale is among those who have been linked with the club. I'm sure Newcastle will want to rebuild with some top names.

"If the rumours are true, the first thing Pochettino is going to want is a guarantee that they will buy players because he would like to have as many good players as possible at his disposal so that he can achieve the club's goals.

"He has already made his name as one of the best coaches in the world. The question is, does Pochettino actually want to go to Newcastle?

"When you are connected to names like Real Madrid and Manchester United - and I mean no disrespect to Newcastle - there is a bit of a difference there.

"The biggest factor that would persuade Pochettino to go to St James' Park would be having the funds to buy players."

Meanwhile, United have been linked to Lyon’s Moussa Dembele and Real Betis loanee Emerson, of Barcelona.