Mauricio Pochettino 'would cost Newcastle United £12.5m this month'

Newcastle United will reportedly have to pay Tottenham Hotspur £12.5m if they wish to appoint Mauricio Pochettino this month.

The Magpies are on the verge of a Saudi-led takeover that would make them one of the richest clubs in the world should it go through.

The club's new owners are apparently looking for a high-profile manager to replace Steve Bruce, possibly before the end of the campaign.

Pochettino is one of those to have been linked with the job, but ESPN suggests that United must pay a large compensation sum if they want that to happen.

Spurs paid out £12.5m when sacking the Argentine in November, it is claimed, and are entitled to the same amount if any team employs him within six months of his departure.

Meanwhile, a separate report indicates that Newcastle will turn to former boss Rafael Benitez if they miss out on top target Pochettino.