Newcastle United: Magpies ‘expected to undergo changes’ under new owners

There might not be any Premier League fixtures taking place, but one club seemingly remains busier than most.

The action on the pitch may have stopped, but there are steps being taken behind the scenes at Newcastle United.

The English outfit have been making the headlines in recent days. And that’s because they are subject to a takeover in the coming weeks.

The Magpies look set for a £300m takeover led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). They could complete a deal by the end of this month. And that would see them own 80% of the club.

And that new ownership could spark a host of changes both on and off the pitch.

One area that could see massive investment if the deal goes through is player recruitment. The club have struggled with signings over the years, but that could all change.

It’s currently 11/4 for Newcastle to spend £100m on any player by the end of the January transfer window.

And any transfers could, of course, improve results on the pitch.

The club are 7/2 to win either the Premier League, League Cup or FA Cup in the next two seasons. And they have been given odds of 4/1 to secure a top six finish in the next campaign.

The Magpies are available at 15/2 to lift the Premier League title in any of the next five seasons. And the Toon are 12/1 to clinch FA Cup or League Cup success next season.

Newcastle are 14/1 to finish in the top four in the next Premier League campaign.

It’s currently 11/4 for current boss Steve Bruce to still be in charge come next season. And Bruce is 1/4 to be replaced by someone else in time for the start of the new campaign.

Former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is the leading candidate to be the first manager under the new regime. The Spaniard is 4/6 to return to St James’ Park.

Ex-Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is 5/2 to come in next, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino available at 10/1.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan are both currently 25/1.

The trio of Roberto Martinez, Sean Dyche and Marcelo Bielsa are available at 33/1.

And it’s 40/1 for Ralph Hasenhuttl, Eddie Howe or Chris Wilder to take over the position from Bruce. Marco Rose and Laurent Blanc can also be backed at 40/1.