Pundit shares ‘buzzing’ Newcastle verdict amid breaking takeover news
The Saudi-backed takeover could still go ahead even if Newcastle United are relegated, according to Alex McLeish.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted they would still be “attractive” for investors in the Championship.
A financial source has told Football Insider all parties are committed to the Amanda Staveley-fronted takeover being completed over the coming months.
It is understood there is a feeling that hostility from the Premier League has thawed after the deal was initially refused last year.
Mike Ashley has launched legal action against the ruling body, with high-profile lawyer Nick De Marco hired for the arbitration process.
On the pitch, the Magpies are still under threat of relegation after a dire run of form.
Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley ended a seven-game winless run and took them six points clear of Fulham in 18th.
McLeish suggested the prospective new owners would still be interested even if the club dropped into the Championship.
However, he tipped Steve Bruce’s men to get at least another point towards safety against West Ham this weekend.
“I still feel that Newcastle would be attractive (if relegated),” McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“Obviously the biggest factor would be to bounce straight back to the Premier League. We’re being subjective here, talking about if they go down, but they must be in a good moment right now going into the next game.
“They’ve got a couple of players back. I think there’ll probably be a feel-good factor around St James’ Park at the moment.
“It was a good away win. They will be buzzing, as will West Ham, but I don’t see them losing that game.”
In other news, Newcastle United are on the verge of signing starlet who’s just quit London club.