It is understood there is growing concern in the Premier League over the proposed £300million Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United.
The Magpies are set to be sold by much-disliked owner Mike Ashley over the coming weeks, with the Premier League in the process of ratifying the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s buyout of the club.
Mike Ashley’s controversial 13-year tenure at Newcastle appears to be coming to an end
The deal is worth a reported £300m, and should it go through Newcastle will boast the richest owners in the entire division, as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leads the PIF and the group is worth an alleged £260BILLION.
But, according to reports, there is ‘growing unrest’ in the top-flight with more and more clubs concerned at the proposed takeover.
Up to TEN teams are said to now have worries about the deal, and it is claimed they could band together and demand the Premier League board BLOCK the sale of Newcastle.
One of the key reasons these ‘concerns’ exist is because of the ongoing piracy claims against Saudi Arabia, with lawyers looking into the BeoutQ network which is alleged to have illegally broadcast live sport – including Premier League matches – in the country
If a link is proven between the Saudi government and BeoutQ, the PIF could fail the fit and proper owner test as they would appear to be actively helping to damage the Premier League’s commercial interests in the Middle East.
Despite the deal not yet being ratified, reports claim Newcastle’s proposed new owners are already planning for when they take charge of the club.
Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham manager, is being linked with replacing Steve Bruce as Magpies boss, while Gareth Bale has emerged as a top transfer target to begin the St James’ Park revolution.
