Former Premier League star Craig Burley believes Newcastle's new regime will struggle to 'coax' players to the North East - regardless of how wealthy the new ownership are.
The Magpies have edged closer to a new takeover deal after the Premier League began assessing the credentials of a new chairman.
News emerged last Tuesday that PCP Capital Partners' takeover bid for the club has reached the Premier League's Owners and Directors' Test stage.
The bid, spearheaded by financier Amanda Staveley and also involving the Reuben brothers, Simon and David, is backed by the mega-rich Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The takeover is now merely awaiting Premier League approval but it hasn't stopped speculation about high profile signings joining the project at St James' Park.
But despite the eye-watering figures being bandied about, Burley still believes the new regime will run into problems attracting players to the North East.
The former Chelsea and Celtic midfielder told ESPN: "Getting the big-name players to the north east is problematic in itself.
"I don't say that disrespectfully, but London for a long time became the hub.
"Manchester clubs have been able to attract top players, but getting players away from the bright lights of London to the north-east in particular is difficult.
"It takes a lot of money. It's not just finding these players, it's trying to coax them into a project in Newcastle.
"That in itself can be difficult to get over the line."
