Newcastle United ready to make first major signing

Since the Saudi Arabian Investment Fund acquired Newcastle United, numerous names have been linked with a transfer to the club. However, it appears as if the first name set for the Toon Army is former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho.

The out of favour Brazilian midfielder, currently with Barcelona, has been linked with a return to the Premier League for several months.  However, as yet no club has matched his reported 30 million euro transfer price tag.

Newcastle will approach Barcelona in January with regards to a potential move, with the Brazilian star desperate to return to England to reignite his career.

Coutinho arrived at Barcelona for £142 million from Liverpool, and failed to live up to expectations and with his current club in a desperate financial situation, Barca will sell the player for a cut price transfer fee.

British businesswoman Amanda Staveley, responsible for the consortium that agreed to purchase the club, has repeatedly said that she plans to help strengthen the club's squad as soon as possible. She quipped: "Everybody talks about big signings but what you need is a team that works well together."