The people behind Newcastle United's prospective takeover have identified Gareth Bale and Mauricio Pochettino as future employees as part of their £300m St James' Park revolution.
The Saudi-backed group are putting the finishing touches to a deal that would see them take over from unpopular Toon owner Mike Ashley in the north east.
And according to Spanish outlet Marca, they have picked out Wales star Bale to be their marquee signing. They also report that the consortium will look to install Pochettino as the new manager on Tyneside, replacing Steve Bruce, and it is believed that the Argentine supports the signing of Bale.
Marca also report that Real Madrid would be open to a deal and would not demand any more than around €20million for the forward.
Bale was close to leaving Madrid last summer for China, with his relationship with boss Zinedine Zidane reaching levels close to frosty.
However, a deal was pulled at the last minute, leaving Bale in the Spanish capital, where he has toiled to a certain extent due to injury.
The 30-year-old has been linked with former club Tottenham and Manchester United in the past, and recently revealed that he has been considering his future post-Madrid, with America on his radar.
"I really like the league,” said Bale when asked about MLS.
“I think it’s grown so much over the years. When we come over and play them in pre-season, the games are difficult, the standard is getting a lot better. The clubs are improving, the facilities are improving, the stadiums are improving.
“I think it’s a league that’s on the up and still rising. I think a lot more players want to come over to America now and play. I would definitely be interested in it.”
