Andy Hinchcliffe has urged Newcastle United to make Philippe Coutinho their 'statement' signing when the club's takeover deal is completed.
The Magpies are still waiting on Premier League ratification for the proposed £300million ownership change, which would make the club one of the top-flight's richest clubs.
As a result of their increased wealth, Newcastle have been linked with several big-money signings, such as Coutinho.
The Barcelona midfielder looks set to leave Spain this summer, with a return to the Premier League mooted.
The former Liverpool man has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as Newcastle.
Following their takeover in 2008, Manchester City spent a club-record fee on Real Madrid forward Robinho, to announce themselves on the European stage.
Hinchcliffe believes Newcastle could do the same with Coutinho and believes the pressure would be far greater on him at St James' Park than any other potential club.
"Newcastle would be the really interesting one if the takeover goes through and they have a huge amount of money," Hinchcliffe told The Football Show.
"They will be looking to make a statement, in terms of who they appoint in terms of a coach and the players they want to bring in. We saw Man City do it with Robinho, a real statement of your intent.
"Is Philippe Coutinho big enough to be that first signing that you would make? The pressure for Coutinho going to Newcastle would probably be greater than any other club because he'll be expected to carry the club forward but there's so much still to happen for the takeover and whether he would want to go anyway."
.png?w=600)
