Lazio striker Ciro Immobile claims that Newcastle United's wannabe new owners had been in contact about a move to Tyneside before the takeover deal fell through.
The 30-year-old had been linked with a move to Newcastle with claims that a £50million bid had been lodged for the striker who finished the 2019-20 campaign with 36 goals.
In an interview with Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport, the former Sevilla forward made some big claims about the plans of the Saudi-led consortium - including that they were on the lookout for a new coach to replace Steve Bruce.
"During the period in which there was talk of the possible purchase of Newcastle by the Sheikh’s fund they called my agent, Alessandro Moggi," he's quoted as saying.
“Then the Premier League did not approve that proposal, or the fund withdrew, I don’t remember well. I know they were also looking for an Italian coach, [Massimiliano] Allegri or [Luciano] Spalletti.”
It is understood that the consortium would have given Bruce time to prove himself in the job - especially given the tight turn around to the new season.
The bid to take over the club, however, was withdrawn after those at the Public Investment Fund grew tired of waiting for an answer from the Premier League.
The pressure is growing on the Premier League to answer questions over the process - several MPs have sent letters to chief executive Richard Masters, while more than 100,000 people have signed a petition demanding answers.
it is understood that all three parties that made up the consortium remain keen to buy the club.
