Rafael Benitez is reportedly keen on a return to Newcastle United as manager if a Saudi Arabian-backed £300 million takeover goes through.
Benitez left Newcastle at the end of last season to join Chinese club Dalian Professional after his contract expired at St James' Park.
And according to The Telegraph, the Spaniard wants to make Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley one of his first signings if he rejoins the Magpies.
The report claims Benitez is also eyeing Manchester City defender John Stones as a marquee transfer to kickstart his potential second spell at the club.
Barkley has struggled with injuries this season and the Chelsea midfielder even admitted earlier this year that he has been forced to train using only his left foot.
"I had fine chips on two parts of my bone in my foot so it was really painful," he said.
"I just had to bide my time and keep working hard. I couldn’t really kick the ball with my right foot so I was training with my left. But now I feel good and I am ready to get back in the side."
The England international had started to find some form under Frank Lampard before the season was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, but he faces increasing competition for a starting spot when the campaign gets back underway.
And many Chelsea fans took to social media to debate whether selling the former Everton star could actually be a wise piece of business if the fee helps fund other signings this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz is one player who has been linked with a move to west London this summer, after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old has been one of the breakout stars in Germany this season, and scored twice for his side in their 3-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
And after his second brace in as many matches, Havertz was once again quizzed on his future.
He told Sky in Germany: "I do not like to say, of course, that there is a lot of speculation. I'm concentrating on this season and will see what happens afterwards.
"I am very grateful to Leverkusen and I don't want to mess it up in any way."
