Newcastle United's first major signing of the Saudi era could be that of a world-class goalkeeper, as the club's new owners are reportedly targeting Barcelona ace Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
With the Saudi Public Investment Fund looking to splash the cash in the coming months, initially to help keep Newcastle in the Premier League, the acquisition of an elite keeper could be the perfect base from which to build.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, the new owners are ready and waiting with a €55 million bid for the German, which would make him one of the most expensive keepers of all time.
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While seemingly unrealistic at first glance, it should be noted that Ter Stegen has won just about all there is to win with Barcelona.
Still aged just 29, he has several La Liga and Copa Del Rey titles to his name, as well as a Champions League winners medal from 2015.
Should Ter Stegen be after a new, fresh challenge, it's feasible that Newcastle United - looking to build towards the future - could become a genuine option.
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However, El Nacional also notes that the stopper is happy in Spain, and would seemingly only leave Camp Nou in order to return home to Germany.
The Toon's current goalkeeper situation has been complicated somewhat by an injury to former stalwart Martin Dubravka, as the Slovakian was a regular last season before getting injured in August.
This handed an opportunity to local lad Karl Darlow, who, to his credit, has impressed overall this season.
Nevertheless, given the lofty ambitions and near-unlimited wealth of the Saudi owners, it's fair to assume that the club will eventually be looking for an upgrade in the position at some point in the coming seasons.
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This could happen as soon as January if reports are to be believed, as the Premier League club are 'ready to pay' in excess of €55 million to land Ter Stegen.
Aside from the player's unwillingness to leave Barca, the other major hurdle is simply whether the La Liga side would accept a bid for their prized asset
Given that Newcastle have an 'unlimited budget' and want Ter Stegen 'at all costs' (according to El Nacional), it seems likely that Barcelona would be brought to the negotiation table eventually.
The greatest task for the Magpies is convincing the man himself, who shows no desire to make the move as of right now.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Barcelona, Premier League, Newcastle United