PHILIPPE COUTINHO could be Newcastle’s big marquee signing – if Mauricio Pochettino takes charge when the Toon takeover is completed.
The Saudi-backed buy-out will look to make a major buy early on in their reign and the Barcelona talisman fits the bill.
Philippe Coutinho could be a marquee signing for Newcastle once the takeover is completedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Kingdom also wants to install former Spurs boss Poch on a £19million-a-year deal.
The Argentine coach came close to signing Coutinho from Barca last summer before he was fired by Tottenham.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim the player would head back to the Prem to kick-start the Toon revolution.
But that would only be if Poch, 48, takes over.
Former Liverpool star Coutinho looks set to leave Camp Nou this summer after spending this season on loan with Bayern Munich.
The Brazilian playmaker’s agent said last month that his client “would love” a return to the Premier League.
Chelsea have also been interested in a move for the South American.
However, the Blues will not meet Barcelona’s £87m asking price for the 27-year-old.
That could open the door for Newcastle.
Coutinho would have joined Poch at Spurs last August but this move was blocked by the North Londoners chairman Daniel Levy.
But now the Argentinian coach could finally get his man – if he agrees to head into the St James Park hotseat.
The report claims: “Pochettino already tried last summer to sign Coutinho for Tottenham and if he did not succeed it was because of President Levy’s irreparable enmity with the Brazilian’s agent.”
Trevor Sinclair is excited about the Newcastle Utd take over from Saudi consortium involving Mohammed bin Salman
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
