The Journal

Ameobi sees no rush forToon change

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SHOLA Ameobi insists Newcastle United’s transforma­tion will be a ‘slow process’ ahead of an anticipate­d summer transfer window.

Fan excitement is at fever pitch following the £300million Saudibacke­d takeover and the Magpies’ surge towards Premier League safety.

The new regime splashed out £90million in January to aid Eddie Howe in his quest for survival, all five signings playing their part in United’s resurgence.

With the threat of relegation dissolved, the new regime should find luring players to St James’ Park easier this summer. Former striker Ameobi, however, does not expect wholesale changes on Tyneside.

He said: “It is going to be a slow process. We have the Fair Play rules to adhere to. It is going to be something the new owners want to do systematic­ally.

“I am not one to clear the books because I think you lose the heart and colour of what you have tried to build. So I imagine there will be two or three coming in.”

Newcastle’s sublime form in 2022 has given them a chance of finishing in the top 10 for just the fourth time in 15 years. Ameobi believes cementing a top-half finish should be the priority but did not rule out the possibilit­y of European escapades returning for Toon fans in the near future.

He added: “Next season, you want to be in the top half. If we can nab a European spot. I think that would be a great launching pad to try and get those players we want. That will certainly be a target Eddie Howe, the team and the players should be having with what we have done this second half of the season. There is no reason why Newcastle, with the resources which will be coming in, cannot achieve that next year.”

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