Former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov is backing Mauricio Pochettino for a move to Newcastle United.

The Premier League club are nearing a change of ownership after a £300million bid by a Saudi Arabia-lead consortium was accepted by controversial owner Mike Ashley.

"If the rumours are true, and Newcastle are looking at appointing Mauricio Pochettino, it would be a great move for the team," he told Betfair.

"If he goes there then it will be the first sign from the new owners, to the players they are targeting, that the club means business.

"If you put Pochettino in charge at Newcastle and you go and speak to players, trust me they will pay more attention and take the offer seriously, and I'm talking about big players as well.

"I know Gareth Bale is among those who have been linked with the club. I'm sure Newcastle will want to rebuild with some top names.

"The biggest factor that would persuade Pochettino to go to St James' Park would be having the funds to buy players."