Summit’s going on within group which wants United
TALKS ON SQUAD AND NEW FACES
THE would-be owners of Newcastle United held two summits this week – one to discuss possible transfer targets and another to look at current squad options.
Although it was a week of negative publicity for the chances of a quick resolution to the long-running takeover saga, the consortium are still ‘in play’ and believe they have answered relevant questions to the Premier League.
They have commissioned an indepth look at the squad and have ideas about who to retain, although they would speak to head coach Steve Bruce first.
They had anticipated being able to speak to midfielder Matty Longstaff before his deal expires next week.
Some potential targets have now passed the consortium by, raising further frustration about the impasse.
The battle with BEIN Sports has delayed the takeover and raised doubts about whether a resolution is possible in the current parameters.
The spectre of Henry Mauriss – the little-known ‘second bidder’ – has been raised this week along with a third possible interested party.
However, focus remains on the Saudi bidders, who seemed a shoo-in to be the new owners by now.
Even BEIN Sports’ lawyers felt the deal would be done – with one insider saying there was “99% certainty” the buyout would happen on day one of the owners’ and directors’ test – but the “needless” ban (in their words) has further raised doubts.
With the season finishing today, there will be a renewed push on all sides for the Premier League to make a call this week.
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NEWCASTLE United will announce their new second kit in three weeks – and it will carry a “fizzy yellow” colour scheme.
As reported by the Notebook last week, United will don their new strip for the final day of the season today after extending their Puma kitwear deal. That announcement came in the same week the Fun88 sponsorship deal was extended.
The Notebook understands the new arrangement is the biggest in the club’s history and far outstrips the £6million-a-year figure reported in some outlets.
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FORMER Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond (pictured inset) is being touted as an unlikely ally in the Newcastle takeover bid.
It is believed he is now advising the Saudi finance minister as part of their revolving presidency of the G20.
Having lobbied the Saudi regime to take more steps to stop the broadcasting of the Beout Q pirate channel when in post, his name has been mentioned as a possible intermediary in the row which is now the biggest single issue facing the takeover.
Hammond cultivated plenty of high-powered links in his previous role.
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NEWCASTLE United want to add legs in midfield as a priority in the upcoming transfer window.
The club are approaching the transfer window as if the current hierarchy will be in charge – a necessary move.
There are funds and some wiggle room in the wage budget.
Nice midfielder Arnaud Lusamba is a possible target for United, who still covet Lille’s Boubakary Soumare. A box-to-box midfielder who can help Newcastle control the game is seen as a priority.
The club also need a striker but the transfer budget has been impacted by the coronavirus. Callum Wilson of Bournemouth, and Aston Villa’s John Mcginn have also been mentioned.