Former Newcastle United midfielder makes ownership claim amid new signings hunt

Former Newcastle United star Dietmar Hamann does not believe the controversy surrounding the Magpies’ Saudi-led owners will not put off potential signings moving to Tyneside.

United manager Eddie Howe has already completed moves for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and Lille defender Sven Botman, as well as converting Matt Targett’s loan deal into a permanent move.

The trio of new arrivals heralded a positive start to the summer transfer window but the Magpies hierarchy have been met by frustration as they look to further enhance the options available to Howe ahead of the new Premier League season.

A long-standing offer to sign Reims forward Hugo Ekitike came to an unsuccessful conclusion when they France Under-21 star joined Paris Saint Germain.

Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby has opted to remain in Germany despite interest from the Magpies and Burnley star Maxwel Cornet is set to join West Ham United after coming under consideration on Tyneside.

United are believed to be considering a third bid for Leicester City star James Maddison after two previous offers were rejected by the Foxes earlier this week.

Despite these setbacks, Howe is determined to add to his attacking ranks before the end of the summer transfer window with a winger and a striker said to be on his list.

As he assessed the current situation at his old club, Hamann - who spent a season at St James Park in the late-1990s - insisted potential signings will decide against a move to Tyneside due to the controversy surrounding the Saudi-led takeover at the club last season.

He told safebettingsites.com: “As a player, if you’re lucky you’ll have ten years but you might only have five or six because injury can cut your career short and if you’re really lucky you’ll have 12 or 14 years.

“I don’t blame anybody going to Newcastle, I understand the controversy about the ownership but as a player I don’t think you can think about these things too much because if you have an offer they can double your wage.

“I’m the last person to criticise anyone going there because if the Premier League deems these people good enough to take over a club, why should the players question it?”

Newcastle get their new Premier League season underway with a home game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.