Staveley set for transfer talks with Newcastle chief in Saudi Arabia

NEWCASTLE United co-owner Amanda Staveley will hold high-level talks in Saudi Arabia this week as the Magpies look to finish the transfer window in style.

The Ripon financier was on board the luxury chartered flight which departed Samson Executive Jet Centre on Tyneside on Sunday ahead of United’s week-long stay in Jeddah.

Key figures from the Public Investment Fund including Yasir

Al-Rumayyan will be on hand this week with head coach Eddie Howe and his backroom team and Staveley all set to be operating without the hassle of a different time zone or over Zoom conferences.

By the end of the week it is hoped at least two deals will be completed by Newcastle.

They will meet the team – including injured striker Callum Wilson – with Howe insisting it is very much a work/business trip rather than a sunshine excursion. United boss Howe admitted last week it had been “frustrating” not to clinch either the deal for Sevilla defender Diego Carlos or Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard.

Howe also hinted that Newcastle were working on more than just the two targets who have dominated the headlines in the last week or so.

The Chronicle understands United are talking to the agents of at least six targets this week with back-up plans in place should they fail to land them.

Howe described the win at Elland Road at the weekend as a potential turning point and feels Newcastle can build up team spirit between now and the next game on February 8 against Everton.

He said: “We hope to use it as a turning point in our season - we need to, we need more wins, we need some momentum, so fingers crossed.”