Contrary to the new swirling around, Newcastle could end up missing out on Mauricio Pochettino this summer after their £300million takeover if indeed the deal does come through – because the Argentine would not want to rebuild the team from scratch like what he did at Tottenham, according to former Chelsea player Craig Burley, who believes Pochettino could be tempted to sit around and wait for a bigger club to make him an offer.
With his gardening leave has now officially ended, Pochettino is now free to take on a new club as manager, having been away from management after he was given marching papers by Tottenham in November.
Since then he has been linked with multiple jobs including at Manchester United but has instead chosen to lie low and stay a comfortable away from the sport.
Newcastle are believed to be desperate to make him their new manager after their takeover is completed – which could be in a matter of days.
The Magpies are in the process of being bought out by a consortium backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
When the deal eventually comes through, they will become the richest club in the Premier League, and the new owners are said to be ready to invest heavily in transfers.
But Burley thinks there’s a chance that Pochettino will choose to turn his nose down on Newcastle because of the rebuild job required.
Speaking on ESPN FC, the ex-Chelsea player explained why he thinks he might want to sit and wait for another opportunity.
“Newcastle – if they’re interested – are going to have to have a heck of a sign-on to get him there,” said Burley.
“They know he could be sitting tight for one of the big jobs.
“We’re not sure what’s going to be around (in the summer).
“Newcastle, as big as they are, are a difficult sell.
“He had his time at Tottenham, a great time at Tottenham, but he had to build that up over five years with relative resources.
“He’ll have to do that again at Newcastle with who knows what kind of money after the takeover.
“It’s a sit-and-wait for Mauricio Pochettino.
“If Newcastle were to get him, it would be a huge coup for that club.”