Newcastle United’s takeover looks to be nearing completion – and that will of course lead to rumours about the club’s plans moving forward.
The £300million deal involving the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, Amanda Staveley and theReuben brothers has been dragging on for weeks now, but should reach its conclusion soon.
If the deal goes through, Steve Bruce’s job could be in danger. It would be understandable if the new regime want a big name to lead their project moving forward.
Recently, the top name linked has been Mauricio Pochettino. Sky Sports recently claimed that he is Newcastle’s top target if they go for a new manager.
Pochettino has been out of work since November, having been sacked by Tottenham. Yet in more than five years with Spurs, he pulled off minor miracles.
He turned Spurs from Europa League hopefuls to Premier League title challengers and Champions League finalists, all without having riches to spend.
Some may wonder what Pochettino can do with the kind of financial backing Newcastle have. Fans may have been encouraged on Saturday when Ossie Ardiles allegedly made comments to The Mirror about the situation.
“Mauricio is fine in England,” said Tottenham legend Ardiles. “He is linked with Newcastle United and when he spoke directly to that club there were many first-rate people involved who made him a good offer. Mauricio had a (contractual) relationship with Tottenham, but last Tuesday his situation was unlocked and he is free to coach.”
“In this way, he will hear offers again, but Newcastle is a firm possibility to work again. He will take his time to think and wait a little for all this to happen,” he added.
Since then, Ardiles has moved to clarify that he never spoke to The Mirror, and they took quotes that he made in Argentina. Ardiles – who is close to Pochettino – added that he wouldn’t tell anyone what Pochettino would do, even if he knew. It sounds like Newcastle fans shouldn’t get too excited just yet.
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