Newcastle takeover news LIVE: Richard Masters LATEST, Saudi deal updates
NEWCASTLE UNITED fans remain on the edges of their seats over their club's proposed £300m takeover from a Saudi Arabian consortium – so is this the week it finally goes through?
We have all the latest from Premier League chief Richard Masters and every transfer and gossip story surrounding the Magpies.
Follow ALL of the latest updates right here…
TOON RATINGS
Here is how Newcastle rated in last night's 4-1 thumping of Bournemouth.
NO BALL? NO PROBLEM
Bournemouth dominated possession, but Newcastle easily triumphed during last night's 4-1 win at the Vitality Stadium.
It's quite an incredible turnaround for the Toon.
That's four wins in Newcastle's last five Premier League games!
ARE YOU FREE?
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is a top target for Newcastle, according to reports.
The 27-year-old stopper is currently on loan at Real Madrid.
But with Real Madrid reportedly not interested in keeping him, nor his parent club PSG, a transfer looks likely.
According to Le10 Sport, he “appeals” to the Magpies because this is an area they are looking to improve in the summer.
LONG DISTANCE RUNNER
Sean Longstaff is delighted with his role in the team after Steve Bruce gave him license to get among the goals.
The midfielder, 22, said: “It gives me a chance to run around a little and get into positions.
“I can get in more advanced positions to score a few goals.
“But I have played there since I was younger and I really enjoy it.
“It's a bit of a change from being deeper.
“It gives you a bit more freedom and you are willing to try a few more things.”
GOOD MORNING NEWCASTLE FANS
What a result that was for the Magpies away at Bournemouth as Steve Bruce's men eased to a 4-1 win on the south coast.
Goals from Dwight Gayle, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron and Valentino Lozaro lifted Newcastle up to 13th spot in the table.
But it was fan favourite Allan-Saint Maximin that stole the show as he chipped in with three assists.
Prior to the game, League chief executive Richard Masters has told Toon supporters he hopes to announce a decision on the planned £300million Saudi takeover of the club “shortly”.
He was quizzed about the three months that the Prem board has been deliberating over the issue.
He responded: “There's no timetable set as part of the rules and no particular time frame.
“These things normally take time. Some takeovers are straightforward and others aren't.
“The process has to conclude and I would like the process to conclude shortly.”
MASTER-FUL
The Premier League has offered itself up as a nationwide “guinea pig” to lead the way back for fans at sports events.
League chief executive Richard Masters revealed he had told the Government-backed cross-sport working group that football will try out any dry runs that could open up the turnstiles.
Masters said he was open to any scheme that would allow fans back, while a working group of top clubs hopes to confirm its own options soon.
And the League boss made it clear that allowing fans back into Prem grounds would be critical in giving the top flight clubs the chance to help teams lower down the football pyramid.
Masters said: “The thing that is missing from professional football from the Premier League is the fans. I don't want to labour the points but the sooner we can get them back inside the stadiums, the better.
“The most important factor for the football economy to return to normal is the return of spectators. Football is willing to play its part in that and to offer up its own ideas and technical solutions.
“But we are also keen to act as a test pilot or a guinea pig for different concepts so that football and other sports can benefit.
“We want to see what will work effectively, keep fans safe and speed up the process in a safe and appropriate way.”
MAX POWER
FULL-TIME
It's all over at the Vitality Stadium and what a fantastic performance from Newcastle.
Second half strikes from Miguel Almiron and Valentino Lozaro added to strikes from Gayle and Longstaff in the first half.
Dan Gosling did score a consolation goal deep into injury time, but the Cherries just cannot catch a break at the moment.
They remain in 19th spot, while Newcastle jump up to 13th.
BOURNEMOUTH 0-2 NEWCASTLE
We are back underway at the Vitality Stadium!
Will Newcastle retain their lead or will Bournemouth fight their way back?
HALF-TIME
What a fantastic opening 45 minutes from Newcastle away at Bournemouth.
The Magpies go into the break leading the Cherries 2-0 thanks to goals from Dwight Gayle and Sean Longstaff.
Steve Bruce's men are putting on a show in the south coast!
'MAKING SOME CHANGES'
Steve Bruce plans to “freshen up” his squad for Wednesday's game against Bournemouth.
He said: “I think it's only right that I freshen us up.
“I don't want to go down Bournemouth, with them not having a game for a week, for the fourth game in 11 days.
“It's a big call so I will be making some changes, and hopefully that pays off.”
Source: Read Full Article