Saudi owners decide on transfer strategy as two summer targets demand mega-money - Report

According to The Mail's Craig Hope, Newcastle are planning 'significant investment' this summer - but certain big-money moves will not be sanctioned by our Saudi owners due to massive wage demands.

The report reveals that we have made an enquiry to sign Chelsea's Mason Mount and also hold real interest in West Ham's Declan Rice. However, it's thought Mount would cost £80m PLUS a wage package worth £250,000-per-week.

Rice is expected to demand similar money, leaving the club reluctant to do business on the scale and 'unlikely' to sign the England midfielder.

Top players never come cheap, but it seems we are wary of paying huge sums for a couple of reasons. Not only would it push the limit of FFP restrictions - the latest accounts showed an unsustainable wages-to-turnover ratio of 95% - there's also concerns it could impact the dressing room, as Mount or Rice would be taking home DOUBLE that of our top earners, such as Bruno Guimaraes.

That doesn't mean there won't be more exciting signings, however. As Hope reveals in the piece, it's thought our summer budget would see a 'huge' increase should we qualify for the Champions League.

Eddie Howe is thought to be a huge fan of Mount and Rice, seeing them as elite players who are also good characters, but he's been reminded how successful our recruitment strategy has been over the past three windows; seeing us pursue high-value gems over proven stars who come at a premium.

So, perhaps we can expect more Bruno's, Botman's and Isak's and less mega-money moves that would break our wage structure, add to FFP concerns and leave some in the squad demanding a pay-rise.