Newcastle Red Bulls go big to land 'marquee signing'

Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.

Premier League side Newcastle United are understood to have previously expressed an interest in purchasing the same plot of land before former owner Semore Kurdi sold the Falcons to their new backers.

The new ownership group are now exploring plans to develop a high-performance training base that could be shared between the rugby team and Red Bull’s elite European athletes.

According to Mail Online, the proposed facility would significantly upgrade Newcastle’s current training environment and bring the club closer to the standards set by Europe’s leading rugby teams.

The improved infrastructure could also help Newcastle land a marquee signing ahead of next season, with several high-profile internationals currently available.

Ireland centre Bundee Aki and England utility back Elliot Daly are among the names believed to be on the market, while Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe — who reportedly has an offer from Italy — is another potential option.

Australia international James O’Connor, who is leaving Leicester Tigers, is also available.