Newcastle United takeover & transfer news: SHOCK name on new owners' wishlist

The Magpies, according to reports in Spain, have placed Real Madrid manager and former France and Juventus midfielder Zinedine Zidane on their managerial wishlist.

According to Defensa Central, Newcastle's prospective new owners want Zidane to replace Steve Bruce at the end of the 2019/20 Premier League season.

The report claims PCP Capital Partners, Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia consortium believe Zidane is the best coach in world football – but barring a “major surprise” the Real boss will remain at the Bernabeu.

Former Real and Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is on a United managerial shortlist as well as ex-AC Milan and Juventus manager Max Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino.

Meanwhile, Celtic frontman Odsonne Edouard would reportedly be happy to move to Newcastle United.

The Scottish Premiership has been complete finished for the season with Edouard & Co claiming their ninth top flight title on the bounce – and reports in the Scottish Mail claim Eduoard sees United as an “attractive step”.

Arsenal are also understood to be monitoring the player’s progress north of the border.

The 22-year-old joined the Hoops in 2018 from PSG for around £9million and has since scored 60 goals while contributing a further 31 assists across two seasons in Glasgow.

Elsewhere, two frontmen linked with the Magpies look set to move when the transfer window reopens.

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani is not regarded as a ‘priority’ signing this summer for PSG director of football Leonardo, according to Le 10 Sport.

The 33-year-old is a free transfer in June with Ligue 1 already ruled complete.

And Club Brugge boss Philippe Clement admits he expects Emmanuel Dennis to leave the club.

Speaking to Derniere Heure: “It is very likely that Dennis will leave. He can also count on a lot of interest. It is the time for him to take a new step.”

Arsenal and Wolves are also thought to be interested in the Nigerian international.