It's hard not to fantasize about what Newcastle United could become, under an owner who is wealthier than all other Premier League owners combined. However with Financial Fair Play, if and when Newcastle are eventually taken over, the process is likely to be a gradual one.
That hasn't stopped me dreaming about who Newcastle should sign, to get us back to the days of dreaming big. I've tried to keep it as realistic as possible, but please indulge me if I got too carried away dreaming (blame the #cans!)
1. Sandro Tonali
I've put Tonali in as number one for a reason. This lad is special. The central midfielder, currently at Brescia, is about to turn twenty years of age, and has already broken into the Italian national side. Top european sides such as Barcelona, Inter Milan and Manchester City have already been linked to the player, that has already been compared to Andrea Pirlo.
Pirlo himself, alongside fellow Italian legend Francesco Totti, have already been quoted of their admiration of Tonali.
When teams start to build their squad after being taken over, they always seem to have a focal point. A young-ish player with leadership qualities, with whom they can build a squad around. Think Vincent Kompany at Manchester City, or even Claude Makalele at Chelsea. Tonali would be this, wherever he goes. A defensive midfielder with an excellent range of passing, and a wise head on his shoulders. If I had my way, Tonali would be priority when Newcastle look at transfers with their new wealth. He could be available for around £40 million, so it's not beyond the realms of possibility, and a bargain when the price tag inevitably draws comparisons with Joelinton.
2. Kevin Mbabu
How we let this kid leave, I do not know, and this has to be one of Rafa Benitez's biggest mistakes during his time at the helm. Now at Wolfsburg, Mbabu has established himself as one of the toughest right-backs in Europe. The Swiss international is still just twenty-five years of age, and considering Newcastle's constant issues at right-back, to me this transfer would seem a no-brainer.
His Premier League debut in the black and white in 2015 drew plenty of praise from pundits and fans alike. However a frustrating time with injuries saw Mbabu make just five appearances for Newcastle, and was eventually sold to Young Boys, following a successful loan spell.
3.Mario Gotze
How much do you reckon Newcastle would have to pay for the services of someone with the calibre that Mario Gotze possesses? Normally you would be looking at in excess of £50 million in this day and age. But Mario Gotze is available for FREE at the end of the season!
Yes, he has had his injury and illness problems, but the world cup winner is still just twenty seven years old, and still has over two hundred Bundesliga appearances to his name.
As gambles and risks go, I think Gotze is a risk worth taking. A world cup winner, with a wealth of experience and quality, available for free is surely another no-brainer. The only problem could be that the German has been linked to Liverpool, and a reunion with former boss Jurgen Klopp, could be too good to turn down.
4. Alexander Isak
Ask any Newcastle fan, "Where does your team need to improve?" and 99.9% of the responses will be "up front!" With only one Premier League goal between Joelinton, Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle this season, it may be isn't the most difficult question for fans to answer.
With one eye to the future, I believe the long-term solution could be found in the shape of Swedish International, Alexander Isak.
Currently at Real Sociedad, the rangey swedish striker draws obvious comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. At twenty years of age, there is still plenty of progression to be made for Isak, who already has four goals in twelve appearances for his country. Formerly of Dortmund, Isak is making a name for himself in an over-achieving Sociedad side, who before lockdown, were fighting for a spot in next season's Champions League. Barcelona are a team linked, but like their link for Tonali; Barcelona's current financial state would be weaker than a Saudi funded Newcastle United. This is why Barcelona are looking to sell some of their stars. If Isak is the player I think he is, then he has the potential to surpass Zlatan's achievements in the game.
5. Luka Jovic
Finally, a name Newcastle have recently been linked to, Real Madrid front man Luka Jovic. The twenty-two year old Serbian, has fallen out of favour at Madrid after failing to find the form that saw him score twenty-five times in fifty-four appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Jovic is a natural born fighter, and would be the sort of player that the Geordie faithful would immediately take to. Real Madrid are reportedly willing sellers for the right price, and with teams such as West Ham linked, it shouldn't take much to persuade him to join a new, oil rich magpie side.
So there you have it, as you will notice, my focus is predominantly on youth and potential. Get your comments in on who you would like to see Newcastle sign, if and when the takeover finally goes through!