Newcastle United's proposed takeover is reportedly inching closer and closer, with a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund moving in on a £300 million deal.
As reported by the Chronicle, the proposed takeover deal of the Magpies is now understood to be in the hands of the Premier League and an announcement could happen soon.
It is not yet known how much money the new owners will invest in players, but it seems likely their ambition will be to become one of the country’s biggest clubs.
With that in mind, Newcastle will rival London’s Premier League contingent for some of the big-name players available on a free transfer this summer.
Here’s a list of players whose contracts expire in June, and the London clubs the Magpies could steal them away from.
Edinson Cavani (Chelsea)
It would be a sensational move to rival Robinho’s transfer deadline arrival at the Etihad in 2008, and yet that does not mean Cavani to Newcastle is out of the question.
The Uruguayan had reportedly been close to agreeing to join Atletico Madrid, but money talks.
Cavani is the sort of player Frank Lampard may be looking at, given the PSG striker’s brilliant track record in front of goal. As for the Magpies, he would certainly be an upgrade on Joelinton.
Thomas Meunier (Tottenham)
Another PSG player set to leave is 32-year-old right-back Meunier, and he seems like a more realistic target than Cavani.
Everton came close to signing him last summer, which suggests he would be open to a move to a mid-table Premier League side with ambitions of playing in Europe.
Newcastle might be looking for new players in almost every position, but right-back is certainly one of the top priorities, just as it is for Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham.
Dries Mertens (Chelsea)
Napoli’s star striker is yet to sign a new contract and looks increasingly likely to leave, alerting Lampard to the availability of a goalscorer to replace Tammy Abraham. Is it possible the 32-year-old could be lured by a big offer from Newcastle?
Like Cavani, this one depends on whether the Magpies are about to become the next Manchester City.
With a rich history of strikers in black and white, from Alan Shearer to Kevin Keegan, perhaps Mertens could be lured by tradition.
Mario Gotze (Arsenal)
Dortmund’s playmaker continues to fall. It is hard to believe he is still only 27, supposedly about to enter his prime but without a productive campaign for five years.
Arsenal have an historic interest in his signature and Mikel Arteta may feel he can convert Gotze into a deeper midfield player.
Newcastle, on the other hand, might want a marquee number ten to build the team around. That would be an attractive option for a player like Gotze to save his career.
Adam Lallana (Tottenham)
Mourinho is reportedly interested in signing Adam Lallana on a free transfer from Liverpool, which makes a lot of sense considering he is a hard-working and diligent footballer. However, the Portuguese now has a reputation that could put players off working for him.
Newcastle is a decent alternative, an environment that would see Lallana become a key player rather than just another member of the squad.
Ryan Fraser (Arsenal)
He might not have had a very good season at Bournemouth, but in 2018/19 Fraser was among the Premier League’s best players.
The 26-year-old has admitted to being distracted by links to Arsenal in the past.
Newcastle are already the level of club Fraser might have to consider if his dip in form has scared off the ‘Big Six’, and with an influx of cash that prospect becomes considerably more enticing for the Cherries winger.
