The prospective new owners of Newcastle United have reportedly identified Gareth Bale as their priority transfer target should their takeover of the club go through.

The Real Madrid winger has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in recent transfer windows, and a return to the Premier League has often been touted as one of his more likely destinations.

Bale's mammoth wage packet has proved to be an insurmountable hurdle in that respect so far, but the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund are keen to bring in a marquee signing at St James' Park.

A £300m takeover bid is currently awaiting approval from the Premier League but is expected to go through in the coming week, ending unpopular owner Mike Ashley's Newcastle reign.

Marca reports that the owners then want to make Bale their first signing when the transfer window reopens, in addition to appointing another former Tottenham Hotspur man - Mauricio Pochettino - as manager.

The Welsh winger has endured another stop-start campaign in the Spanish capital, being limited to only 18 appearances across all competitions and scoring three goals.