Roma ‘open talks’ with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Bin Salman as Newcastle takeover stalls over Premier League checks – The Sun

NEWCASTLE have been dealt a blow in their takeover talks with Roma reportedly contacting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Premier League are yet to approve the £300million Toon takeover after they received new documents over piracy accusations.

It has been claimed that the evidence establishes a clear link between the Saudi state and a pirate TV service which streams sporting events illegally.

And SunSport has exclusively revealed how unrest is growing among top-flight clubs about the possible takeover, with at least ten teams said to have concerns.

Now it has been alleged that Bin Salman has been discreetly contacted by Italian outfit Roma.

According to the Daily Star, the Serie A side's owner James Pallotta has hired Goldman Sachs to find a buyer.

They are said to have been alerted to the fact that Newcastle's takeover still hasn't been approved five weeks after papers were lodged at Companies House.

It has been suggested that Pallotta still expects Bin Salman to become the majority shareholder of the Magpies.

And the report insists that Roma aren't trying to hijack Newcastle's deal, they are simply letting the Crown Prince know they would interested in holding further talks if his St James' Park bid is rejected.

The American businessman has been actively looking to sell the club for the past two years, and believes Roma will be a good option for Bin Salman.

Newcastle fans have already been urged by the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi to fight against the Saudi takeover as she claims he was behind the murder of her partner in Turkey in 2018.

Khashoggi – who was a high-profile critic of the Saudi chief – was killed after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Widow Hatice Cengiz said: "I write to you at a crucial time in the history of the famous football club.

"Crown Prince Moammed bin Salman, the absolute ruler of Saudi Arabia, is aiming to take over your club by offering a huge sum of money.

"I know that many of you are tempted by his offer to get out of the dire situation that has crippled your club for so many years.

"But the Crown Prince is accused of ordering Jamal's murder. All credible investigations have shown his responsibility.

"He has not been put on trial in his own country as he controls it with an iron fist.

"My plea to you is to think whether accepting Mohammed bin Salman's offer is really the right way out of the despair for your club and City."

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