NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to push through a loan move for Spanish striker Paco Alcacer ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline, with Steve Bruce confident the latest bout of takeover speculation will not affect his ability to complete deals.

The ownership of Newcastle was called into question over the weekend after details emerged of a consortium backed by Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, and involving financier Amanda Staveley, that is interested in a potential £340m buyout of Mike Ashley.

Neither Bruce nor Newcastle officials were commenting on the off-field situation, but the Magpies boss is adamant his transfer plans remain on course.

“I just ignore all of that,” said Bruce, in the wake of his side’s FA Cup draw with Oxford. “But it won’t affect anything we look to do this week, I’m confident of that.”

Newcastle’s recruitment team have spoken to Borussia Dortmund officials about a move for Alcacer, who is keen to leave his current employers this month in an attempt to safeguard his position in the Spain squad for Euro 2020.

The 26-year-old spent three years with Barcelona before moving to Dortmund on loan at the start of last season. He did extremely well last term, scoring 18 Bundesliga goals in 26 appearances, a run of form that secured him a €23m permanent transfer and a five-year deal last January.

However, his fortunes have plummeted in the current campaign, with Dortmund boss Lucien Favre handing him just six league starts. Newcastle are aware of his potential availability, and are set to push for a loan deal with a clause for a possible £25m transfer at the end of the season.

However, Tottenham have been tracking Alcacer for the best part of two years and are preparing a counter-offer of their own. With Harry Kane having been ruled out of the vast majority of the remainder of the season, Jose Mourinho is desperate to secure another attacking option.