Newcastle's current regime are under no orders from PIF in their pursuit of new signings this summer.

That's the word of Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder who in his latest piece detailed some of the plans the Magpies have for the upcoming window. 

Steve Bruce's men are currently under a £300mbid from the Prince Investment Fund in Saudi Arabia but because of piracy controversies, they're yet to pass the owner's and director's test carried out by the Premier League.

With an initial deal wrapped up about two months ago now, everyone at the club would have thought that PIF would already be in the north-east.

However, that is far from the case, and their transfer plans say as much. 

According to the Chronicle, Steve Nickson is drawing up a list of targets as normal, without any orders from their would-be owners.

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If Newcastle's takeover goes on any longer they may be forced to miss out on some of the targets that they've been linked with in recent days and weeks.

With PIF's influence supposedly growing, they'd taken an interest in the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Kai Havertz but if the Chronicle's claims are anything to by, this will be false.

That's simply because, as of yet, the supposed new owners have no say in transfers.

Ryder, however, understands that two targets have already been identified. They are RB Leipzig loanee Patrik Schick and also midfielder Arnaud Lusamba.

They appear to be more realistic targets given Newcastle's stature within the game but that, of course, could all change if and when PIF walk through the door.

In fairness, Newcastle's plans are well thought out. If the takeover doesn't go through they could be left in limbo if they'd left plans to their proposed new owners.