With Newcastle now six points from safety in the Premier League, it’s vital that Amanda Staveley gets things right in January.
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and Staveley have £190m to spend in January, and whoever arrives must hit the ground running.
One target – according to El Nacional – is Gareth Bale, as Real Madrid hope to offload their £85.3m man before his contract expires in June.
What’s the story?
Well, Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez senses a unique opportunity after Newcastle were taken over.
The Spaniard is hoping for the Magpies to sign Bale, and PIF have even added the Welshman to their list of targets.
If the deal went through, Gary Lineker would be in approval, as he believes the 32-year-old is one of the best British players in history.
As quoted by the BBC, Lineker said: “I’d put him right up there. I have always loved him as a player. He is a wonderfully gifted footballer. At Real Madrid he has proven himself as a world-class player.”
Does praise get any higher than that? Clearly, Lineker feels Bale is among the greatest players in the history of the sport, which speaks volumes.
Would Gareth Bale do well at Newcastle?
Well, we’re a bit concerned by his injuries – the 99-cap Wales international has already missed 11 games this season with a knee injury.
Bale also earns £600,000-a-week, which is a huge salary to pay somebody who may not be available on a weekly basis.
However, his time on loan at Tottenham last season was encouraging, and suggested he can still do the business in the Premier League.
Bale scored 16 goals in all competitions for Spurs last term, with 11 coming in just 20 Premier League appearances.
If Newcastle – and Unai Emery, by the looks of it – can keep him fit, he would be an excellent addition at St James’ Park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
