Tottenham legend Ossie Ardiles claims Newcastle United have made Mauricio Pochettino an offer - adding the manager would be tempted by the Tyneside project.
The former Tottenham manager is now free to speak with other clubs after his six-month gardening leave with the North London club finished this week.
Pochettino is considered the bookies' favourite to take the St James' Park hotseat once the Saudi-led takeover is completed, and confirmed in an interview on Friday that a Premier League return is his 'priority'.
Now, former Tottenham midfielder Ardiles - who is close friends with Pochettino and still lives in the capital - has claimed a deal is on the cards for the 48-year-old to succeed Steve Bruce.
The Argentinian legend told the Mirror : “Mauricio is fine in England.
“He is linked with Newcastle United and when he spoke directly to that club there were many first-rate people involved who made him a good offer.
“Mauricio had a (contractual) relationship with Tottenham, but last Tuesday his situation was unlocked and he is free to coach.
“In this way, he will hear offers again, but Newcastle is a firm possibility to work again.
“He will take his time to think and wait a little for all this to happen.”
If the Magpies appoint Pochettino following a takeover, Ardiles believes the club will have one of the world's best managers at the helm.
He added: “Mauricio is an absolutely top-level technician.
“He is one of the three best technicians in the world.
“He can manage wherever he wants. Here, or in Spain, in France or Italy.
“But he really likes managing in England. There are a few very large teams that can appoint him - and one of them is going to be chosen.”
