NEWCASTLE UNITED could soon be under Saudi ownership that would see them armed with a £200million transfer war chest.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is driving a £340m bid for the club following four months of talks between Toon owner Mike Ashley and the Gulf nation’s sovereign wealth fund.
How Newcastle could line up with Rafa Benitez back at the helm under Saudi ownership
And in a sensational comeback tale, former boss Rafa Benitez could return to the fold as he features in the Saudis’ proposals.
Saudi Public Investment Fund chiefs, along with a consortium including British brothers David and Simon Reuben, are in talks with Mike Ashley in a deal brokered by Amanda Staveley.
And they have made it clear in writing that if successful, they would make a move for the incredibly popular Benitez.
If the Spaniard was to take the reigns at St James’ Park again, it would not be until the summer, when he would be expected to splash the Magpies’ new found cash.
With the £200m the new owners would be prepared to spend, the Toon could raise their expectations on the quality of player they could attract.
Jadon Sancho has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea for some time.
But Newcastle could soon be able to afford the £100m Borussia Dortmund want for his services and swoop for the England winger.
Kalidou Koulibaly also looks likely to leave Napoli soon with Man Utd and Paris Saint-Germain his main suitors.
His price was reportedly set at around £60m but given his recent form and Gennaro Gattuso’s nightmare start to life as Napoli boss, the Italians might let him go for around £5-10m less.
While Newcastle have done well to pick up points on the back of solid defensive displays this season, they have failed to impress in front of goal.
Record signing Joelinton was brought in for £40m in the summer but the Brazilian has scored just once in 24 Premier League appearances for the Toon.
So Benitez could be tempted by Lyon striker Moussa Dembele in the hope of adding some quality firepower.
The ex-Celtic striker could be available for £45m, which is what Chelsea are hoping to pay as they refuse to give up on him after missing out out on Edinson Cavani.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is in talks to take over Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
Mike Ashley is an unpopular man on Tyneside after 13 years in chargeCredit: Getty – Contributor
Man Utd’s Mason Greenwood has a toilet roll thrown at him by the crowd and then chuck it back in Tranmere win
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
