It's set to be an exciting summer for Newcastle United supporters.

While the Premier League are yet to make a decision on the proposed takeover of the club from Amanda Staveley and the Saudi-backed consortium for a sum of £300m, that won't stop them making preparations for the transfer market.

Victory over Bournemouth on Wednesday night has all-but secured survival in the Premier League, meaning that plans can be made for next season.

Regardless of who will be running the club, the first team squad needs strengthening and that has to be a priority.

If one link is to be believed, Newcastle fans should be very excited.

That man is Philippe Coutinho.

The midfielder is available after being deemed surplus to requirements by Barcelona.

A number of clubs are said to be interested in a move for the Brazilian - most notably Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur - with the star reported to be available for a cut-price fee of £44.5million.

The Spanish side would also entertain a player-plus-cash deal in order to cut their losses on Coutinho, who cost them around £142million.

While several clubs are said to be keen, Newcastle United are said to be leading the way after being formally offered the chance to sign the midfielder.

That's according to Goal who claim that the Magpies and Arsenal will battle it out for his signature.

If this move can be pulled off, it would be a real signal of intent from Newcastle United and what will hopefully be their new owners.

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

What a move this would be for Newcastle United.

Speculation continues over the potential takeover of the club, but with it being suggested that a deal is close attention will turn to the transfer market.

The new owners would love a marquee signing to get supporters excited and Philippe Coutinho would certainly do that.

The Brazilian has had a tough time since leaving Liverpool which means that a move to an 'elite club' could be difficult to strike.

However if he was to move to Newcastle United he would no doubt be the main man in the first team set-up - a role which would suit itself perfectly to getting the best from him.

The 27-year-old is in his prime and so if the Magpies could strike a deal then it would be a massive coup.

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