Newcastle United should follow in the footsteps of Manchester City after the club has been taken over by Saudi billionaires, former defender Steve Howey has said.
The club's new owners have vowed to take a measured approach despite the remarkable funds now available, though plan to take Newcastle back into title contention after over two decades of little success.
Steve Howey has stated that the club should look at how City built following their takeover in an attempt to do the same as they look to become a superpower in English football once again.
Newcastle have turned a profit of £38m in the past three years, meaning that they have the potential to spend around £200m in the market before FFP rules kick in.
Howey said: "What Man City have done is absolutely amazing. Not only with their training ground and academy but going out into the community.
"I think that's what Newcastle should look to do as well and bring Newcastle and the fans connected together.
"We cannot get too carried away, but we can be delighted by the fact we have new owners and then see where we go.
"It'll be amazing for the area, club and the fans, but we should keep our feet on the ground at the moment."
Newcastle could spend £200million but they'd still have a squad worth roughly £750million less than the ones that have been assembled at Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium over the past few years.
Maybe the Manchester clubs don't have to worry too much in the short-term, though you can guarantee Newcastle will continue to spend as and when they are allowed to.
The Magpies have been linked with moves for Paul Pogba, Philippe Coutinho, Kalidou Koulilbaly and Aaron Ramsey.
