Newcastle are targeting Erik ten Hag to replace Steve Bruce but the new owners are struggling to lure the Ajax boss to St James' Park.
The Magpies are willing to make the Dutchman one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League, willing to pay him £6million a year after tax — a gross wage of just over £11m.
But the Saudi-takeover, including director Amanda Staveley, are struggling to persuade him to make the switch to Tyneside as the search for Bruce's predecessor enters its second week.
The 51-year-old has established a reputation as one of Europe’s top emerging coaches, winning two Dutch titles and reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 and leaving Ajax for Newcastle, given their position, would be a risk.