Newcastle issued 'hands off' warning in chase for La Liga star

Newcastle United have been issued with a ‘hands off’ warning in their pursuit of La Liga star Nabil Fekir.

Betis president Angel Haro, speaking to Cope Sevilla, says he has no intentions of selling the 26-year-old, who has been a revelation in Spain, having signed last summer from Lyon.

United have been linked with a big-money move for the Frenchman, who was a long-time target of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, when the transfer window reopens.

“Fekir is very satisfied with his stay in Seville, happy with the team and wants to continue,” said Haro to the Spanish publication.

“Our idea is to keep him on the team. He is a highquality player and from there we will see. We don’t have any plans to sell this player.”

Meanwhile, the proposed takeover of Newcastle United is expected to be completed within the next fortnight, according to a report.

Financier Amadan Staveley, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and billionaire property investors David and Simon Reuben, has agreed a £300million deal for the club. And the deal, which would see Mike Ashley relinquish control after 13 years as owner, is with the Premier League for their owners’ and directors’ test.

Fans are hoping for a swift conclusion, and the PA news agency has report that the deal, which faces opposition from Amnesty International and beIN Sports, could be given the go-ahead by the end of next week.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden last week told a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee hearing that the final decision on the takeover rested with the Premier League after calls for the Government to intervene.

*Steve Nickson is back at work at Newcastle United after returning from furlough, according to a report.

Nickson, the club’s head of recruitment, was furloughed last month along with his staff. However, the Daily Mail report that Nickson has returned to work as the Premier League assesses a proposed £300million takeover.

Nickson had drawn up lists of potential targets before football was shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s also claimed that the club’s players could return to training late next week.