The prospective new owners of Newcastle United have allegedly identified Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho as a priority transfer target.

While the Premier League are still assessing the credentials of the Saudi Arabia-based consortium, speculation persists regarding potential new arrivals at St James' Park.

According to reports in Spain, the Magpies are prepared to make a big-money approach for Coutinho, who is available for the right price.

Despite a solid campaign on loan at Bayern Munich, neither his parent club nor the German giants are prepared to include the Brazil international in their plans for next season.

As it stands, that realistically leaves a Premier League side or Paris Saint-Germain as possible destinations for the former Liverpool man.

The report adds that Barcelona are looking to recoup as much as £70m for Coutinho.