Newcastle’s Federico Fernandez has said his team-mates have a crucial role to play in helping the club's new owners attract big-name signings.
The Magpies £305million Saudi-led takeover was completed last week after the Premier League received “legally binding assurances” that the Saudi state would not control the club.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) – which is seen as separate to the state – will provide 80% of the funds, bringing an end to Mike Ashley’s 14-year spell as owner.
The club are now said to be the richest football club in the world and have already been linked with a whole host of household names.
But to attract those types of players, Newcastle will need to drastically improve on their position, which has so far seen them drop to 19th place in the Premier League.
“It is up to us to win games again and maintain a good level to attract the players who can make us better,” Fernandez told AS.
Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Barcelona ’s Philippe Coutinho are among those being reported as potential signings.
The defender has started three of the club’s four league defeats in the Premier League this season.
Fernandez also said the city of Newcastle has been revolutionised by the takeover and is looking forward to the future under their new ownership.
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“The city was revolutionised by this news and by everything it generated worldwide,” he said. “These are times of change in which we look to the future with great enthusiasm.
“We saw it in the press and later, on Monday, we had the opportunity to meet the owners after training. They agreed to return soon because now there are many who are with the national teams.
“They told us that they want to have a talk to convey what they have already said publicly: that it will be something gradual that will take time.”
Meanwhile, The Guardian say Steve Bruce is expected to remain in charge for the first game of the new era.
Bruce had expected to be sacked earlier this week when he met with co-owners Amanda Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghoudoussi on Monday.
However, Bruce instead reportedly discussed his plans for taking the club forward, while he continues to take charge of training.
Ex- Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre are among the names said to be on the board’s shortlist.
Brendan Rodgers had been linked with the managerial post, but has since pledged his loyalty to Leicester.
Newcastle will begin life under their new owners when they host Nuno Espirito Santo’s Tottenham on Sunday at St James’ Park, where they will be looking to pick up their first league win of the season.
The Magpies will then travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League the following weekend.
