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Four Chelsea stars Newcastle may sign if Antonio Conte comes in to replace Steve Bruce
Newcastle's recent takeover has seen an influx of stars and managers linked with a move to Saint James' Park
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer discusses the club takeover
Newcastle's new takeover has sparked rumours galore about the club's near, mid-term and long-term future with fans and pundits alike predicting who will make the switch up to the north east. One big move could be Steve Bruce's termination after years of service in his hometown as fans have grown unhappy - and Antonio Conte has been linked with the managerial hotseat. Express Sport takes a look at four Chelsea players who could join Newcastle should the Italian take over as manager.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Loftus-Cheek has been a peripheral figure at Chelsea throughout his career, with many still wondering how he continues to get a game at Stamford Bridge given Chelsea's star-studded midfield options.
Having spent last year on loan at Fulham, the 25-year-old would have been likely to fall way down the pecking order, but instead has staked his claim in west London with five appearances already.
But with regular gametime essential at his age, Newcastle could offer him that.
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Ross Barkley
Barkley is in a similar boat to Loftus-Cheek, with the Liverpudlian's gametime being a key issue at this point in his career.
Having only made 53 league appearances for Chelsea since his move from Everton four years ago, Barkley could be vying for gametime at one of the country's most exciting projects.
And having played under Conte for a season, the Italian could bring in one of his tried and trusted.
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Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech's signing would be a real statement of intent in the north east.
Having signed for Chelsea last summer for a fee of £37million, the Morocco international has flattered to deceive at Stamford Bridge after excelling for Ajax in the Champions League.
A fresh start could be ideal for Ziyech, and with the winger likely to thrive in a Conte 3-4-3 formation, he could be the star man in Newcastle's renaissance.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa's downturn in form will always be a mystery to Chelsea fans.
Still the world's most-expensive goalkeeper of all time, the Spaniard's form at the start of the 2020/21 season was so poor that it prompted Chelsea to buy Edouard Mendy as his replacement.
But with Martin Dubravka turning 33 this season, it might be time for Newcastle to offer him a career-saving lifeline.