Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly would cost Newcastle United a cool £90million this summer.
That is the price tag that the likes of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have been quoted in recent weeks as transfer talk hots up ahead of what will be an unusual summer window.
Whether the Serie A side will get the full asking price for the player, as clubs adjust their transfer budgets and valuations decrease with recruitment market set to feel the pinch due to the coronavirus pandemic, is another matter.
But the Koulibaly story was just one of many in recent times that resulted in Newcastle being linked with top stars and the void between Ashley selling up and potential new owners creates a narrative that has at least allowed fans to dream again.
United's interest in the player depends on whether the Middle East takeover bid goes through with the Premier League still considering the approach from Amanda Staveley, the Reuben brothers and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Another big name from Europe that has been bandied about consistently is Barcelona's former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, who would cost around £70million.
Yet those close to the deal still believe that approaches for players at the moment is premature behaviour.
Without doubt, whoever is in charge of Newcastle at the start of a new era would get a competitive transfer kitty - potentially as much as around £200million as new owners are prepared to push the full pot of profits the way of the first team boss.
Financial fair play rules would become the subject of discussion at St James' Park, but profits from TV and Premier League prize money could still be spent on new players without causing any issues.
Under Mike Ashley, the club have held back from spending TV and merit money in certain windows which has caused unrest between the Sports Direct magnate and the fans in previous winter and summer trading periods.
For all the excitement on takeover talk, it is believed that it would take at least four or five windows to turn the team from Premier League strugglers into top-six contenders.
Former United star John Anderson said this week: "I have seen names bandied about like Philippe Coutinho or Gareth Bale they've been mentioned!
"I think it is a bit early for that until the deal is signed off.
"The best saying is you have to crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run.
"We're not at the signing stage yet.
"Wait until it's done first and then talk about who you'd like to sign.
"Even if it does get signed off it would be a gradual process of getting players and top names into the football club.
"It is not something that will happen overnight."
Meanwhile, it is understood that Steve Bruce is still waiting for contact from the current regime on what happens next.
With Premier League games potentially restarting in June, Bruce has had limited contact from the powers that be and has watched on as managers such as Rafa Benitez and Mauricio Pochettino talked about as replacements.
