The collapse of that Saudi-driven takeover might have killed off any hopes Newcastle United fans had of seeing Kalidou Koulibaly, Philippe Coutinho, Edinson Cavani and more strutting their stuff in front of the Gallowgate.
But, for all the vitriol that comes his way, Mike Ashley has shown a willingness to invest big sums in new players when the opportunity arises.
Three of Newcastle’s most expensive signings of all time have arrived at St James’ Park since the beginning of 2019 – Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson.
So, for now, Magpies fans can dream of an “exceptional” goal-scoring midfielder arriving to drag Steve Bruce’s stuttering side out of mid-table mediocrity and towards the dizzying heights of Europa League contention.
Earlier this year The Chronicle reported Newcastle had sent scouts to the San Siro to watch Hakan Calhanoglu.
The Turkey international, who boasts finishing skills no Magpies midfielder has matched since Kevin Nolan, was apparently scouted “extensively” by the Tyneside giants.
And while the chances of Calhanoglu leaving top-of-the-table AC Milan for Newcastle admittedly look slim, there’s no law against dreaming.
Gazzetta dello Sport claims the former Bayer Leverkusen man is out of contract next summer, meaning he could be available for less than the £23 million Milan paid to sign him in 2017.
Furthermore, Calhanoglu is demanding £100,000 a week if fresh terms are to be agreed. That is far more than the £60,000 a week Milan have offered.
Newcastle would have to make Calhanoglu their highest-paid player but, with the money they would save through the lack of a transfer fee, there’s plenty of wriggle room.
You don’t always need a Middle Eastern oligarch to sign top-class players.
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