Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is an admirer of Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho and Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale, according to CBS Sports.
The report has claimed that Al-Rumayyan is ‘intent on landing a marquee signing’ and admires Wales international winger Bale and Brazil international attacking midfielder Coutinho.
El Nacional claimed in October that Bale is a transfer target of Newcastle, and Sport reported in December that the Magpies are eyeing a move for Coutinho, who cost Barcelona £142 million when they signed him from Barcelona (BBC Sport).
Could Coutinho or Bale join Newcastle in January?
In our opinion, it is unlikely that Coutinho or Bale will move to Newcastle in the January transfer window.
Barcelona and Madrid are massive clubs and global brands who regularly challenge for major titles and honours.
Now, Newcastle may have the richest owners in club football, but they are in the Premier League bottom three at the moment.
And let’s not kid about this – Eddie Howe’s side could end up in the Championship.
So, we do not think that Bale and Coutinho would be tempted to move to Newcastle, even on loan.
Bale is out of contract at Madrid at the end of the season anyway, so the former Tottenham Hotspur star could just see out the rest of his deal and then find a club.
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