Newcastle United have reportedly identified Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho as their first big-money signing they wish to make under their new Saudi-led ownership.
It was confirmed on Thursday that a Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of the Magpies was completed, ending Mike Ashley's 14-year spell as the club's owner.
The consortium, fronted by financier Amanda Staveley, are set to make substantial funds available to spend on new players in the upcoming transfer windows and are already drawing up a shortlist of potential targets.
Spanish outlet Sport claims that Coutinho's representatives held talks with Newcastle's new owners earlier this year, months before their first takeover attempt.
The report also states that the 29-year-old would be interested in a move to the North East and a return to the Premier League, four years after leaving Liverpool to join Barcelona.
Coutinho has endured a difficult spell at Camp Nou due to injury and after falling out of favour under current head coach Ronald Koeman.
The Brazilian, who has also been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, has made 96 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists.
Oliver Thomas
