NEWCASTLE UNITED’S Saudi takeover has been COMPLETED.
The new Saudi owners have been given the all-clear by the Premier League after resolving a brutal dispute which saw Qatar-based beIN Sports have its feed across the Middle East hijacked.
And the takeover looks set to spell the end of Steve Bruce’s time as Toon boss.
Steven Gerrard is the current favourite to replace Bruce, though the likes of Eddie Howe, Frank Lampard and Antonio Conte have also been mentioned.
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PUMA ‘POUNCE FOR UTD TARGET HAALAND’
Puma are said to be preparing a sensational coup to steal Borussia Dortmund Erling Haaland from current sponsors Nike.
The 21-year-old striking phenomenon’s Nike deal is up in January and Puma are ready to pounce upon its completion, according to Bild.
Puma are reportedly hoping to lure Haaland away from Nike with a whopping offer of £21million over five years, Bild claim.
In Puma’s favour, they already sponsor two of Haaland’s Dortmund team-mates, Marco Reus and Axel Witsel, as well as the club itself.
Although the Norwegian could be on the move soon with a host of European heavyweights interested in signing him.
The £64m release clause in his contract became active in September, and potential suitors including Manchester United and Chelsea are ready to pounce in January.
United are said to be in pole position to sign Haaland, who’s hit the net 11 times in eight games across all competitions this season.
But the Blues, who are also sponsored by Nike, are willing to splash the cash on Haaland.
SAMBA RAP STAR
Leeds forward Raphinha produced a sensational debut for Brazil including two assists to sink Venezuela 3-1.
The 24-year-old came on at half-time with Tite’s side 1-0 down, but his substitution would turn the game on its head.
He delivered the corner for Marquinhos to convert from as Brazil levelled with 19 minutes remaining.
And in the 85th minute the five-time World Cup winners completed the turnaround as Gabriel Barbosa tucked away a penalty.
Raphinha then capped off a superb debut by setting up Antony in stoppage time to seal victory in the World Cup qualifier.
He also had another assist chalked off in the second half as VAR ruled the goal out.
Brazil have now won all nine of their qualification matches, scoring 22 times and conceding just three.
They sit eight points clear of second place Argentina, with Ecuador and Uruguay another three points behind them.
MANCINI ‘IDEAL’ FOR TOON
Steve Bruce is set to be axed as Newcastle boss following the club’s £300million Saudi takeover.
And with the Magpies now the richest club in the world, a host of big managerial names are being linked with St James’ Park hot seat.
One of those is Roberto Mancini, who was the first man appointed at Manchester City after they were taken over in 2008.
The 56-year-old spent four successful years at the Etihad, leading the club to FA Cup glory in 2011 and the Premier League title a year later.
It means the current Italy boss has a proven record of taking over a new project – something ex-professional Trevor Sinclair thinks is invaluable.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Sinclair said: “I think you need a manager who has done this before – and the first name which springs to mind for me is Roberto Mancini.
“But I don’t know whether it’s too soon with his reign with Italy and whether he would walk away from that.
“He’s done it at Man City, you’ve got to bring in big players to set new players, Mancini would be the ideal man to do it, he’s still young enough to do it.
“They would be wise to look at the Man City model and the way they’ve done it, because they’ve been so successful.
“Take away the Champions League and they’ve won everything.”
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NOU
Barcelona will leave the Nou Camp for a YEAR while the stadium is being redeveloped, president Joan Laporta has confirmed.
The planned works will begin in 2022 and could last for as long as FOUR years.
Plans include an increase of 11,000 seats – taking the stadium capacity to 110,000, while surrounding areas including the club store and museum will also be refurbished.
However, for work to commence the cash-strapped club is dependent on a loan.
The Catalan giants are reportedly in talks with investment bank Goldman Sachs, who could agree to the £1.27bn loan – but Barcelona’s members will also have to give the green light.
It would be a big commitment after the club announced losses of £408million this week.
Laporta told Catalan radio Rac1: “‘(The new Camp Nou) is fundamental for the viability of the club and its immediate future.
“The impact it will have for Barca is critical so that we can compete with our competitors who have already done what is needed.
‘TAKEOVER WILL KEEP TOON UP’
Newcastle’s takeover will keep them in the Premier League on 38 points, according to Sporting Index.
Before the buyout the betting firm predicted Steve Bruce’s men would go down with 33 points.
Neville Burdock, Head of Trading at Sporting Index, said: “There’s a buzz around Newcastle that hasn’t been felt in the north east in many years, and we expect the new owners and their likely cash injection for new signings will help the Magpies survive relegation this season.
“We’ve revised their expected points total from 33 to 38, and that could be the difference between heading down to the Championship and staying in the Premier League.”
RON’S INSTAGRAM SLAM
Cristiano Ronaldo earns a whopping £1.5million per Instagram post – more than seven times the next best Premier League star.
The Manchester United, 36, is a global icon and uses his huge influence to promote brands across his social media.
And with 353m Instagram followers, the most of any person on the app, he is able to charge companies up to £1,505,000 for a single post.
So sharing one sponsored ad per month would earn Ronaldo more than £18m per year – or a weekly post would pocket him a staggering £78.2m.
That places him way out in front as the No1 on the Premier League Instagram rich list, according to Myprotein.com research.
TOON OWNERS ARE ALSO INTER ‘BUYING ITALIAN GIANTS’
Newcastle’s new owners are also interested in buying Inter Milan, according to reports.
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund finally completed their controversial Magpies takeover yesterday, after a dispute was settled with Qatari broadcasters BeINSports.
Toon fans are already dreaming of a star-studded team, with their new billionaire owners set to invest heavily in the team.
But Newcastle may not be the only club the Public Investment Fund (PIF) choose to spend money on.
According to Calciomercato via Football Italia, the Saudi group are working on a deal to buy Inter Milan from the Suning Group.
They report that before going ahead, however, the PIF want assurances that Inter’s new stadium plans can go ahead without a hitch.
NOT FOR SALE
Man City have had a transfer bid for wonderkid James McAtee rejected by Manchester City, according to reports.
McAtee, 18, has impressed for City’s youth teams this season and his form led Pep Guardiola to hand him his debut against Wycombe in the Carabao Cup last month.
His talents have not gone unnoticed elsewhere with West Ham and Crystal Palace also interested, report The Athletic.
But it is Brighton who have reportedly made City an offer of £8million for his services.
The Seagulls hope McAtee could be lured to the south coast by the promise of more game time, but City have dismissed their approach.
In fact, McAtee is not for sale at any price as City believe he has a future at the club.
FIRE HORROR
England’s World Cup qualifier in Andorra is in doubt after the stadium caught fire.
The blaze is believed to have started when sparks from welders constructing a gantry for TV coverage led to the whole temporary structure being engulfed in flames.
Clouds of dark smoke billowed into the air as the fire spread to one of the dugouts, the artificial turf at the side of the pitch and even a little way on to the playing surface itself.
Firefighters soon arrived and extinguished the fire by 16:17 local time.
But tomorrow night’s game will be able to go ahead only after officials assess the damage and the risk to players and fans.
The blaze happened just hours after the England team trained on the artificial surface and not long after Gareth Southgate and Kieran Trippier completed their media duties.
MIKE DROP
St James’ Park will still possess Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct branding despite Newcastle’s £300million takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.
Sports Direct signage can currently be found everywhere you look at the Magpies’ historic home.
Most fans will be glad to see the back of it, with Ashley even having tried to rename St James’ Park the Sports Direct Arena in the past.
But for now the last remnants of Ashley’s reign will remain.
The Times’ George Caulkin reports that the signage won’t be coming down ‘for now’ because of terms of the sale.
But he adds that it ‘won’t be long’ until it disappears for good.
ON THE PAUL
Paulo Dybala is set to sign a new deal keeping him at Juventus until 2025 making him the join-highest paid player at the club, according to reports.
The Argentine will join defender Matthijs de Ligt at the top of Juve’s wage bill.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the final details are being ironed out on a three-year extension worth £8.4million-a-year.
And once a deal with Dybala is tied up, the Old Lady will look to extend right-back Juan Cuadrado’s contract.
The Colombian’s contract expires next summer, but the new deal is expected to extend his stay by a further year.
RUD OF HIM
Antonio Rudiger is reportedly on Real Madrid’s transfer list next summer.
According to Spanish outlet ABC, Los Blancos are eyeing a free transfer for Rudiger, 28 when his Chelsea contract runs out in June.
Carlo Ancelotti is eager to strengthen his defence after stalwarts Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos left in the summer for Manchester United and PSG respectively.
And Bernabeu chiefs have made Rudiger their ‘No1 Priority’ because of his availability on a free.
The report suggests Real Madrid’s new transfer strategy is to identify low cost transfers, avoiding the risk that comes with astronomical fees.
Los Blancos snapped up David Alaba for nothing in May after his contract with Bayern Munich expired, and are now eyeing a similar move for Chelsea rebel Rudiger.
SPURRED ON
Newcastle have already sold out their next home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Magpies are used to passionate crowds coming through the gates at St James’ Park.
But amid frustration with previous owner Mike Ashley and manager Steve Bruce, the Toon had yet to sell out their famous old home this season.
Following yesterday’s £300million Saudi takeover being confirmed, however, fans have flocked back in their droves to secure tickets for their next match.
Newcastle’s last home game, a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, drew a crowd of 50,407, while their 2-2 draw with Southampton back in August saw an attendance of 44,017 show up.
Against Spurs, people can expect the full 52,000 and the rest to pack into St James’ Park and back their team.
JESS DREAM
Jesse Lingard has revealed he needs ‘regular football’ to have any hope of making Gareth Southgate’s 2022 World Cup squad.
In an England press conference, Lingard admitted to reporters: “Obviously, the World Cup is a long way away but… you need regular football.
“I was so close to going to the Euros and I think obviously it plays a huge part and it’s a big factor.
“If you’re playing over 20 or 25 games, of course you know you’re knocking on the door so I think it does play a big part in that.
“I’m not doing any harm at the moment – if I keep performing well and doing well you never know what might happen so I keep confident in myself and when I get when I get time on the pitch I’ve got to carry on doing what I’m doing.
“You want to start games. When I’m a sub I’m always ready to play. I’m always ready to be needed when I’m called up.
“It’s one of those things I’m going through at the moment but I think on recent performances hopefully we’ll see a change in the next few weeks.”
CONT ME OUT
EXCLUSIVE – Antonio Conte would likely reject the chance of leading Newcastle’s Saudi-backed assault on the top of English football, SunSport understands.
The £300million PIF takeover at St James’ Park has left Steve Bruce’s position as manager hanging by a thread.
The new board led by financier Amanda Staveley are believed to be looking around for the right person to turn the club into serious challengers for the Premier League.
And ex-Chelsea boss Conte has been one of the most obvious candidates given he is available as a free agent immediately.
Conte’s CV is remarkable at club level having won titles with Juventus, Chelsea and last season Inter Milan.
Given Newcastle’s new might in terms of transfer spending power, they could easily offer the kind of backing the Italian usually demands in the transfer market to do his job.
But SunSport understands the 52-year-old’s current position is that his next job will need to be at a club who are already in a position to genuinely challenge for titles.
ART OF FOOTBALL
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been named Premier League manager of the month for September.
The Gunners started the season poorly, losing their first three league games to Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City.
But bounced back, beating Norwich, Burnley and North London rivals Tottenham.
The Spaniard beat former mentor Pep Guardiola to the prestigious award, as well as Jurgen Klopp, Graham Potter and Dean Smith.
On the award, Arteta told Arsenal.com: “I think [this award] represents the way everyone has been together, has been working and has been positive in difficult moments and continued to do their work with the right mentality, the right ambition and with the right work and direction.
“So it’s for them. I get [the award] but it’s for all the people behind it.”
NEW PROJECT
Newcastle’s new owners are also interested in buying Inter Milan, according to reports.
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund finally completed their controversial Magpies takeover yesterday, after a dispute was settled with Qatari broadcasters BeINSports.
Toon fans are already dreaming of a star-studded team, with their new billionaire owners set to invest heavily in the team.
But Newcastle may not be the only club the Public Investment Fund (PIF) choose to spend money on.
According to Calciomercato via Football Italia, the Saudi group are working on a deal to buy Inter Milan from the Suning Group.
They report that before going ahead, however, the PIF want assurances that Inter’s new stadium plans can go ahead without a hitch.
FAMILY STATEMENT
The family of ex-Newcastle chairman Freddy Sherpherd have released a statement following the club’s takeover.
It read: “We would like to wish His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Amanda Staveley and Rueben Family the best of luck in the future.
“With sound investment and community inclusion we hope the Geordie nation will be galvanised in their desire to return this great club back to its rightful place – at the top of European football on and off the pitch.”
RON TOP
Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded Premier League Player of the Month after a stellar return to Old Trafford.
After an emotional second Red Devils debut against Newcastle, CR7 scored three goals in three Prem appearances in September.
The 36-year-old scored twice in the 4-1 win against Newcastle at the start of the September, as well as the opener in the 2-1 victory over West Ham.
CR7 beat Joao Cancelo, Antonio Rudiger, Allan Saint-Maximin, Ismaila Sarr and Mohamed Salah to the award.
Fans voted for the winner via the Premier League website, with a panel of football experts also weighing in to decide who receives the trophy.
It’s the fifth time he has landed Prem Player of the Month accolade, having previously scooped the award in November and December 2006, as well as January and March 2008.
MESS-ED IT UP
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that he hoped Lionel Messi would play for FREE.
The 59-year-old told RAC1: “With Messi I do not get angry because I appreciate him. I know he had a huge desire to stay, but also a lot of pressure because of the offer he had.
“Everything indicates that he already had the offer from PSG. Everyone knew that he had a very powerful offer. We knew from Messi that they had a very good offer.
“At no time do I think of going backwards. I think I’m doing the best for Barca. Nobody can put the institution at risk.
“I did hope that at the last minute Messi would say that he would play for free. I would have liked that and he would have convinced me.
“I understand that the league would have accepted it. But we cannot ask that of a player of his level.”
RAM THE MAN
Dozens of Newcastle United fans want the new Saudi owners to make Juventus star Aaron Ramsey their first signing.
The Saudi-back consortium completed their £300million takeover on Thursday and supporters are desperate for investment in the squad.
Arsenal icon Ramsey, 30, has been linked with a move away from Juventus in recent months, making just three Serie A appearances this term.
And many Toon fans on social media are excited about the prospect of signing the midfielder, with one tweeting: “We should sign Ramsey.”
While another wrote: “Ramsey will 100 per cent be Newcastle’s first big name signing after the takeover.”
And one supporter tweeted: “I want our first signings to be Federico Bernardeschi, Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot and Mattia De Sciglio. Newcastle, break the bank for them!”
FEELING BLUE
Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign is set to be delayed until next year.
Fifa are on the brink of postponing the tournament amid Covid safety fears.
The prestigious competition was initially set to be held in Japan between December 9 and 19.
But they have already had to withdraw from hosting duties amid Covid concerns.
According to the Mirror, Fifa will opt to postpone the tournament entirely during their next Council meeting on October 20.
Although they do remain committed to holding the Club World Cup, rather than cancelling it altogether.
MAKES SENS
Liverpool are ‘weighing up’ the possibility of signing wantaway Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio, according to reports.
The Spanish international is believed to be unhappy at Real.
And according to Spanish outlet ABC, the 25-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by boss Carlo Ancelotti despite starting the league campaign well.
Asensio has found the back of the net three times in just six LaLiga games this season, two shy of his league goals tally from last term.
The report states that Liverpool as well as Juventus and AC Milan are interested in signing the Spaniard.
But Liverpool could be frontrunners for Asensio’s signature having ‘tempted’ the player before.
GERR RIGHT
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are shock frontrunners to land the Newcastle job, according to reports.
Steve bruce has admitted that he would not be surprised to be relieved of his duties immediately, as the new Saudi ownership look to put their stamp on things on Tyneside.
According to the Telegraph, two former England midfield colleagues could be set to battle it out for the post.
They claim that Gerrard, 41, would be a popular choice – having won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers last term.
The former Liverpool man is happy in Scotland, they add, and would take some ‘persuading’ to leave Ibrox for the Premier League.
Lampard, 43, is also mentioned as holding a ‘definite interest’ in the post.
CASH FLOW
Newcastle could spend £200million on transfers and not be in breach in Financial Fair Play regulations, it has been calculated.
That is because Mike Ashley has left the club in a strong position financially thanks to his stringent operating in recent years.
Ashley sold Newcastle to a Saudi-led consortium for £300m on Thursday.
And with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund worth around £320billion, the Toon have become the richest club in world football.
However, there were fears their spending would be limited to comply with FFP, which limit losses over a three-year period to £105m.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire told the Daily Mail: “For all that is wrong with Mike Ashley, I would love to be buying a club from him.
“There is a lot of scope to increase the investment in Newcastle if any new owners choose to do so.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
