Newcastle United target Mark Gillespie is free to talk to other clubs after he left Motherwell on Sunday.
Before takeover talk took hold, the Magpies were in talks to sign the 28-year-old on a free transfer.
Gillespie, who is a Newcastle United academy graduate, and a good friend of Magpies defender Paul Dummett, is believed to be keen to return to Tyneside.
His performances this season have helped Motherwell qualify for next season's Europa League and Newcastle have identified him as a back-up option next season to Martin Dubravka.
Current third-choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot is out of contract at the end of the season, while Freddie Woodman is expected to go out on loan again after a successful season at Swansea. Karl Darlow is Newcastle's current number two, although his future is unclear this summer.
However, Gillespie is a target of the current regime and it remains to be seen whether new owners would still sanction a deal for the former Carlisle United goalkeeper.
Speaking about Gillespie's departure, Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “I’d like to thank every player who is leaving for their efforts during their time at the club.
“They leave us with our best wishes for the future.”
Chronicle Live revealed this morning that Newcastle United are compiling their shortlist of targets for next season after the recruitment department were given the green light to continue their work by the current regime.
Head of recruitment Steve Nickson has held talks with the representatives of Nice midfielder Arnaud Lusamba and that could offer hope to Gillespie as he seeks a return to St James' Park.
Discussing his future last month, Gillespie told the Daily Record: “My future is up in the air at the moment until everyone knows the situation with the wider game.
“Clubs, players, managers don’t know what’s coming next week never mind next season.
“Once it becomes clear where the leagues stand and things like that there will be conversations to be had."
