Report claims Newcastle could go after Barcelona superstar amid imminent takeover

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SportMediaset have made an astonishing claim that Newcastle United’s new board could fund a move to sign Barcelona superstar Antoine Griezmann in the coming months – as Amanda Staveley’s move draws closer.

Owner Mike Ashley has accepted an offer from Staveley, which has been three years in the running. The offer is believed to be from Staveley’s PCP Partners, worth £300m – and will be financially backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Britain’s second wealthiest family, the Reuben Brothers, are also involved. PIF will control 80% of Newcastle, while Staveley’s PCP and the Reuben Brothers will have 10% each. The takeover is at the Premier League check stage.

Such talk, though, has seen suggestions of the calibre of player – and manager – Newcastle could attract. Toon legend Tino Asprilla has urged the new owners to take Newcastle from a bottom-half side and turn them into the new Manchester City.

Now, the first big name has been suggested as a possible target. Griezmann, 29, joined Barcelona just last summer from Atletico Madrid and has since scored 14 goals in 37 outings. BBC Sport claim he has a whopping £717million release clause.

TBR’s view – Is Griezmann really a viable target?

Griezmann will cost an extroadinary amount of money to lure him from Barcelona to Newcastle. Not only that, but Griezmann will hardly want to go to a club that are not in Europe – and currently sit 13th in the Premier League.

Newcastle must not go all hammer and tongues straight away. Building quickly, but carefully, is the best solution. Manchester City spent big on Robinho, and look how that turned out.

Signing Griezmann is not viable, nor is it advisable. Newcastle must spend, but spend wisely in order to grow.