SS Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has claimed in an exclusive interview with Corriere dello Sport (via NUFC 360) that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) group were looking at Max Allegri and Luciano Spalletti as possible successors to Steve Bruce until the proposed takeover of Newcastle United collapsed.

Speaking to the Italian outlet, Immobile claimed:

"I know they were also looking for an Italian coach, [Massimiliano] Allegri or [Luciano] Spalletti.”

Indeed, these are arguably two big names in football management, with a history of trophies and accolades to their names.

Allegri is currently without a club but has won as many as six Serie A titles, five with Juventus and one with AC Milan, along with numerous domestic trophies, according to Transfermarkt.

His managerial record is not half bad either, as he has won 345 of the 620 games he has been in charge, giving him a win ratio of over 55%, as per the website.

Perhaps not as prestigious as Allegri, but Spalletti has also done well in his managerial career so far, and is again without a current club at this moment in time.

The 61-year old won numerous domestic cups in his native Italy with AS Roma and is also a two-time winner of the Russian top flight with Zenit St. Petersburg (via Transfermarkt).

Like Allegri, Spalletti also boasts a relatively impressive win percentage in his managerial career, having won 434 of his 860 matches, which is just over half (per the website).

It is a shame that the takeover fell through, as the Magpies may have had the benefit of having one of these two coaches managing their team going into the new 2020/21 season.

Geordies, would you have liked to see one of these manage NUFC? Comment below!