Newcastle United are reportedly expected to announce plans for a new state-of-the-art training complex.
According to the Daily Mail, the club are set to purchase land in Woolsington, which was previously owned by former Newcastle chairman Sir John Hall. The aim is to transform the site into a ‘world-class' training facility, so they can leave their current base in North Tyneside.
The report claims that plans for the £200m training ground will be made public once all the necessary paperwork is finalised, with hopes that the two-year construction work can start at some point this year.
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US-based architect firm Populous have been part of the plans for the modern training facility, having previously worked on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Real Madrid's training complex.
There is a possibility that the proposals include indoor and outdoor pitches, a mini stadium and a cinema room that can host pre-match and post-match presentation sessions, as well as any relevant footage from training sessions.
The proposed training ground could also feature accommodation, spa facilities, and a media suite, reflecting the ambition of the club under the stewardship of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and the Reuben brothers.
The news of Newcastle's intention to build a new training ground comes at a time when they are also deliberating over the next steps regarding their stadium. Last month, Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson conceded the club are yet to make a decision over their stadium plans, as they weigh up whether to expand and modernise St James' Park or build a new ground away from their current home.
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Newcastle have progressed on the pitch since the PIF and Reuben brothers completed their takeover in 2021. Since then, the Magpies have gone on to lift the EFL Cup and feature in two Champions League campaigns.
However, the progress off-the-pitch has not been quite as fast, although that looks set to change in the coming years. A new state-of-the-art training facility will benefit the staff and players who are at the club once it is opened, while it could also be crucial in convincing potential new signings to make the move to the north east.
If they can also sort out their stadium situation, Newcastle will be on their way to establishing themselves as one of the top sides in English football, as long as they do not let their standards slip on the pitch.