Paulo Fonseca would reportedly like to sign three players if he is to be named as the new manager at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Talks

As per Craig Hope, talks are 'ongoing' between Fonseca and the St. James' Park faithful over the vacant manager role in the North East, following the departure of Steve Bruce.

Sources have said that he is 'interested' in taking over, but The Daily Mail journalist has stressed that it is 'not a done deal' as of yet.

The Latest: Fonseca signings

Perhaps jumping the gun, but Forzaroma.info have now claimed that Fonscea would like to sign Amadou Diawara, Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, all from AS Roma, should he become the next Magpies coach.

It is suggested that Jose Mourinho may be willing to sell both Diawara and Smalling, although Mkhitaryan has found some form at the Serie A club.

The Verdict: Aim higher

With the abundance of riches that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium have, they should be aiming higher than the three players mentioned above.

Although Fonseca would likely be able to get the best out of them having worked with them before at Roma, with Smalling himself claiming that Fonseca is a 'very intelligent' manager, all three come with their own individual problems.

The Englishman is very injury prone, while Mkhitaryan is 32 years of age now, and largely struggled in the Premier League while at both Manchester United and Arsenal.

Diawara meanwhile has barely played any football so far this season, and so may take some time to adapt to the fast pace of the top flight, by which point the Toon Army could be locked deep in relegation trouble.

Nonetheless, while Fonseca may be an inspired appointment in himself, the board should be aiming for better targets.

In other news, find out which 'exceptional' manager NUFC are 'ready to go crazy' for here!