MAGPIE IN THE SKY

Barnes gives fans reality check

JOHN BARNES has warned Newcastle fans to keep a lid on expectations in the wake of the imminent £300m takeover.

The Liverpool and England legend had a short stint at St James’ Park when Kenny Dalglish was in charge 22 years ago.

But he does not expect the world’s football superstars to be blazing a trail to the North East.

Amanda Staveley’s Saudibacked consortium want the Magpies to be challenging for Champions League football.

Those close to the deal claim they plan to attract some of Europe’s biggest names to the club.

The departure of owner Mike Ashley and transformation of Newcastle into one of the richest clubs in the world has the Toon Army dreaming of glory.

But Barnes, who played in the 1998 FA Cup Final for the Geordies, insists it will not be straightforward.

“Marquee signings for Newcastle are not marquee signings,” said Barnes.

“Ronaldo is not going there,

Messi is not going there, Mbappe is not going there. If they are sold, I still don’t think the best players in the world are going to Newcastle.

“They’re not marquee signings, they’re players that Newcastle probably couldn’t have got before the Saudis take over.”

Barnes, however, does expect major investment at his former club and a significant improvement on current resources.

“Everyone wants to try and get better players,” he told Bonusbetcodes.

“Better players does not mean marquee signings, it’s just better players than what they have.

“They’ll spend more money, attract more players in terms of salaries they’re going to pay. That’s the same as any club.”

Another former Newcastle star Laurent Robert is more upbeat about the Magpies’ future prospects.

The French flier was a key player in the side which competed in the Champions League under Sir Bobby Robson and believes a return is a real possibility. He said: “I want to see Newcastle back at the top and to play in – and win – the Champions League. Why not?

“When I arrived, their position in the table was not very good, then we finished fourth and the season after that, third. It can happen again.”

Robert’s son Thomas, 19, is carving out quite a reputation for himself at Montpellier where his father coaches.

And Robert senior would love to see him pull on the black and white stripes.

“I want to come back to see a game at Newcastle,” he said. “Maybe when Thomas is playing there!”

Confidence remains high in the Staveley camp that the takeover will go through.

That is despite fresh documents having been submitted to the Premier League in relation to Saudi TV piracy, casting new doubts on the deal being given the go-ahead.

The Premier League will not confirm or deny they are in receipt of new information.