Newcastle United transfer & takeover news: Magpies have no interest in former Premier League striker as Saudi bid talk continues

A report the in national press suggested Steve Bruce could make a move for the former Arsenal and Manchester City frontman – but the Gazette has learned the 35-year-old free agent is NOT a United target.

Bruce is keen to add a left-back in the final few days of the window, which slams shut at 11pm on Friday evening.

A striker is also on the wanted list, but filling the full-back slot is seen as more of a priority with Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems suffering season-ending injuries this month.

In order to add another player to their ranks this week United will have to move players on, with few takers coming forward for the likes of Ki Sung-yeung and Henri Saivet. Injury has also put an end to Bruce offloading the likes of Dwight Gayle, Yoshinori Muto and Jack Colback.

Over the weekend United were linked with a loan move for Spain international frontman Paco Alcacer. But the player looks set to return to La Liga with Valencia.

The Magpies’ chase of AC Milan’s Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek has also gone cold with the striker not keen on a move to Tyneside. The player is thought to want to move to a club in Europe, with Spurs currently leading the race for the £35million-rated forward.

Meanwhile, United owner Ashley is reportedly locked in talks with TWO other potential buyers amid talk of a takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Could this put a spanner in the works for a potential deal?

On the contrary, TalkSPORT presenter Jim White claims a Saudi takeover of Newcastle United could happen within the next 48-72 hours.

What is in no doubt is that United has been awash with endless takeover tales for the last 12 months – from the apparent incoming Arab riches to the meagre pickings of a buy now, pay later American investment firm. Here’s how the last 12 months played out on the takeover front.