EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle owners PIF establish £400m investment plan amid PSG talks

The new majority owners of Newcastle United, the Public Investment Fund, are pushing ahead with the plans to expand their portfolio of clubs with Marseille emerging as a top target for the group, TEAMtalk understands.

We understand that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Qatar has improved so much, since they came to an agreement over the Premier League rights in their region, that they are even taking advice off them.

The key factor in PIF being able to take control of Newcastle was their new agreement with Qatar, which even saw them agreeing to pay an out-of-court settlement.

Now they are holding talks with Qatar Sports Investment, who own Paris Saint-Germain, about investing in French football. Marseille are in their sights.

Currently owned by American Frank McCourt, it is believed that PIF are prepared to pay more than £400m for the French giants.

Should PIF push ahead with their interest, it could mean that they become huge rivals with QSI on a domestic level. Marseille and PSG make up one of the biggest rivalries in French football.

PIF have long believed that the model adopted by City Football Group is the way to go.

Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners now control 10 clubs across the world. PIF have plans to follow a similar path.

Newcastle given January transfer advice

Meanwhile, PIF will also be having to think about how to allocate funds for Newcastle’s transfer budget in January.

It will be an important transfer window at St James’ Park. Of course, it is their first chance to flex their financial muscles. But it may not be easy to attract the calibre of player they want while in a relegation battle.

But they will be looking to make a statement regardless. With that in mind, one club legend has told them of three areas they should be looking at…

READ MORE: Shearer ‘expects’ Newcastle moves in January; tells club to sign three stars