After years of speculation surrounding Mike Ashley's potential exit from Newcastle United, it's beginning to seem like the end may finally be nigh.

The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, chaired by multi-billionaire Mohammed Bin Salman, are finally set to take over in a £300 million deal.

As controversial as the takeover is, it will bring about a new era on the pitch with the prospective owners reportedly investing hundreds of millions in the transfer market.

And - according to the bookies at least - it could be ex Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe tasked with leading the revolution.

The ex Celtic target comes in at 7/4 favourite to replace Steve Bruce with the new owners poised to axe the incumbent head coach.

Another ambitious target that has been heavily mooted is Antonio Conte, the former Inter and Chelsea title winner who is backed at 6/1.

Current Bournemouth boss Graeme Jones is quietly tipped at anything between 5/1 and 12/1, while Roberto Martinez, Frank Lampard and even Jose Mourinho are among the other favourites.

But it seems Rangers boss Steven Gerrard isn't fancied despite Alan Brazil's claims to the contrary - he's a long outsider at 20/1.

Whoever the new boss is will have plenty of cash to work with as the new Saudi owners want to rocket Newcastle up the Premier League table and break into the top six.

Ashley's frugality has been a source of frustration for Magpies fans but the prospective new bosses see the club's potential and are prepared to invest some of their billions to turn Newcastle into a PSG-esque superpower.

They were linked with everyone from Gareth Bale to Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly before their takeover collapsed last time out.