Former defender Warren Barton has called on Newcastle United to try to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager.

Earlier this month, it was claimed that Mike Ashley was close to selling the Magpies to a Saudi Arabia-based consortium, which could lead to the club becoming a major force in the transfer market.

While it has been suggested that Steve Bruce may keep his job for the foreseeable future, Barton feels that Newcastle should make an approach for ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Barton said: "With all due respect to Steve, and I've got a lot of respect for him, he's not one of the top-level coaches around the world.

"He's always done reasonably well in the Premier League and Championship, but if you want someone to take you to that next level, I think Pochettino would tick all the boxes. He's ambitious, he's great with young players, he understands the Premier League, and I think he's got a chip on his shoulder now to come back and prove people wrong.

"I think he is ready-made for the club, and his hunger to be successful will go right the way through the club and the fans."

Pochettino, who has previously hinted that he is ready for a new challenge, won 159 of his 293 matches in charge of Spurs.