Newcastle United linked with 'Arabian Suarez' post-Saudi takeover
Abderazak Hamdallah is a player on the radar of the club's Middle-Eastern-financed owners, with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers’ £300million takeover currently in the hands of the Premier League.
And should the league’s owners and directors test be concluded without issue, a transfer of the remaining balance is all that will remain for the exchange to be set in stone.
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Hide AdAccording to Foot Mercato, United and Aston Villa want to sign Saudi league frontman Hamdallah.
Hamdallah – who has spent time in the Chinese Super League, as well as spells in his native Morocco, Sweden and Qatar – has scored 75 goals in 60 games for Saudi side Al-Nassr and has a reported £15.7million release clause in his deal.
However, a work permit could be an issue with Hamdallah having not played in 75% of Morocco’s international fixtures in the last three years.
Elsewhere, a report in Greece claims that United could make a move for Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
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Hide AdThe German-born Greece international, 26, has been contacted by United officials, according to Sport 24.
And finally, former United hero Laurent Robert’s son, Thomas Robert, has also been linked with a free transfer switch to St James’s Park.
According to Football Insider, United face competition for the Montpellier man from Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers.