Bale has also been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Magpies boss said: “The only two players I am interested in from the Championship are Giles Barnes and Gareth Bale.
“They are two outstanding talents and the sort of players we should be looking at – and by admitting our interest, we are not giving away any secrets because a lot of top clubs fancy them.
“Barnes is an offensive midfield player and someone I would call a truly fine modern-day footballer, while it would not surprise me if Gareth Bale went on to play 100 games for Wales.”
