Mike Ashley bought Newcastle United for £134.4m in 2007 and spent much of his reign at loggerheads with the fansbase. Getty
Mike Ashley bought Newcastle United for £134.4m in 2007 and spent much of his reign at loggerheads with the fansbase. Getty
Mike Ashley bought Newcastle United for £134.4m in 2007 and spent much of his reign at loggerheads with the fansbase. Getty
Mike Ashley bought Newcastle United for £134.4m in 2007 and spent much of his reign at loggerheads with the fansbase. Getty

Football

Premier League insists it did not reject Saudi Arabia-backed bid for Newcastle United

League hits back at claims made by the Magpies that they did not 'act appropriately' during the process

The National

September 10, 2020

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  • Arabic

The Premier League has insisted it did not reject the Saudi Arabia-backed bid to buy Newcastle United.

The investment group, which included the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, agreed a £300 million (Dh1.36 billion) deal to purchase the club in April with owner Mike Ashley paid a £17m deposit.

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However, they withdrew their offer on July 30 with the Premier League still conducting its owners' and directors' test.

Newcastle released a statement on Wednesday that said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters had blocked the takeover and did not "act appropriately".

But the Premier League delivered a strongly worded response on Thursday that made it clear they had not pulled the plug on the deal.

"The Premier League was disappointed and surprised by the Newcastle United Football Club statement regarding its potential takeover," a statement read. "The club's assertion that the Premier League has rejected the takeover is incorrect.

"The Premier League Board has, on a number of occasions, given its opinion about which entities it believes would have control over the club should the consortium proceed with the acquisition. That opinion is based on legal advice.

"This means the potential takeover could proceed to the next stage should the relevant entities provide all appropriate information. They would then be subject to a suitability assessment by the Board. As an alternative, the Board has repeatedly offered independent arbitration as a way forward since June.

"It is also incorrect to suggest these decisions were taken by any individual; they were agreed unanimously by all Premier League Board members."

_____________________________________________________________________

Newcastle 2019/20 season ratings

NEWCASTLE UNITED 2019/20 RATINGS: MANAGER: Steve Bruce - 6 out of 10: A really tough one to mark. Took on the thankless task of replacing the immensely popular Rafa Benitez in the hotseat with the hugely unpopular owner Mike Ashley still in charge. Ultimately, he did exactly what Ashley wants from his managers - he kept the club safely in the top-flight. He also steered Newcastle to their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2006. EPA
NEWCASTLE UNITED 2019/20 RATINGS: MANAGER: Steve Bruce - 6 out of 10: A really tough one to mark. Took on the thankless task of replacing the immensely popular Rafa Benitez in the hotseat with the hugely unpopular owner Mike Ashley still in charge. Ultimately, he did exactly what Ashley wants from his managers - he kept the club safely in the top-flight. He also steered Newcastle to their first FA Cup quarter-final since 2006. EPA
GOALKEEPERS: Martin Dubravka - 8: To say it's been a busy season for the Slovakian would be an understatement. Made the most saves out of any Premier League keeper - 140 - and without many of these stops, Newcastle would be heading back down to the Championship. A few blunders along the way, but to be expected when left exposed so regularly. Named as club's player of the year. AP
GOALKEEPERS: Martin Dubravka - 8: To say it's been a busy season for the Slovakian would be an understatement. Made the most saves out of any Premier League keeper - 140 - and without many of these stops, Newcastle would be heading back down to the Championship. A few blunders along the way, but to be expected when left exposed so regularly. Named as club's player of the year. AP
Karl Darlow - 6: Back-up restricted to cup competitions with Dubravka firmly established as No 1. AFP
Karl Darlow - 6: Back-up restricted to cup competitions with Dubravka firmly established as No 1. AFP
DEFENDERS: Fabian Schar - 6: The versatile Swiss endured a miserable restart and struggled badly for any sort of consistency. Shifted into midfield by Bruce which failed to pay off, then saw his season ended by a dislocated shoulder. Getty
DEFENDERS: Fabian Schar - 6: The versatile Swiss endured a miserable restart and struggled badly for any sort of consistency. Shifted into midfield by Bruce which failed to pay off, then saw his season ended by a dislocated shoulder. Getty
Florian Lejeune - 5: Another injury-ravaged, soul-destroying season for the French centre-half, managing just eight appearances in all competitions. AFP
Florian Lejeune - 5: Another injury-ravaged, soul-destroying season for the French centre-half, managing just eight appearances in all competitions. AFP
Paul Dummett 5: Local lad and another defender whose season has been decimated by injury. Not played since January. AFP
Paul Dummett 5: Local lad and another defender whose season has been decimated by injury. Not played since January. AFP
Jamaal Lascelles - 6: Club captain will never give less than 100 per cent and Newcastle certainly felt more organised when he plays but can look slow and cumbersome at times - see lack of footwork for opening West Ham goal in home draw after restart. Could miss the start of next season after undergoing an ankle operation. AFP
Jamaal Lascelles - 6: Club captain will never give less than 100 per cent and Newcastle certainly felt more organised when he plays but can look slow and cumbersome at times - see lack of footwork for opening West Ham goal in home draw after restart. Could miss the start of next season after undergoing an ankle operation. AFP
Emil Krafth - 5: Swedish right-back looked completely unsuited for the rough and tumble world of England's top-flight after arriving in a £5 million (Dh23.6m) deal from French side Amiens last summer. Barely played for middle part of season but did OK when brought back into team after restart. Was completely out of his depth when forced to play in a central defensive role due to injuries. AFP
Emil Krafth - 5: Swedish right-back looked completely unsuited for the rough and tumble world of England's top-flight after arriving in a £5 million (Dh23.6m) deal from French side Amiens last summer. Barely played for middle part of season but did OK when brought back into team after restart. Was completely out of his depth when forced to play in a central defensive role due to injuries. AFP
DeAndre Yedlin - 5: American full-back has started just 12 games in all competitions this season and looks set for the exit after four seasons at the club. AFP
DeAndre Yedlin - 5: American full-back has started just 12 games in all competitions this season and looks set for the exit after four seasons at the club. AFP
Ciaran Clark - 6: Another injury-blighted season and another big miss at the back for Newcastle. Just 14 league appearances for the experienced Irish centre-half. AFP
Ciaran Clark - 6: Another injury-blighted season and another big miss at the back for Newcastle. Just 14 league appearances for the experienced Irish centre-half. AFP
Jetro Willems - 6: Wing-back on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt saw his time cruelly ended by a serious knee injury in January. Form had been erratic at times but had shown flashes of quality. AFP
Jetro Willems - 6: Wing-back on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt saw his time cruelly ended by a serious knee injury in January. Form had been erratic at times but had shown flashes of quality. AFP
Federico Fernandez - 7: The last fit senior centre-half still standing by the end of the season as his defensive colleagues fell to injuries one after the other. A solid season overall form the Argentine, particularly after restart. EPA
Federico Fernandez - 7: The last fit senior centre-half still standing by the end of the season as his defensive colleagues fell to injuries one after the other. A solid season overall form the Argentine, particularly after restart. EPA
Javi Manquillo - 6: Spanish full-back has made himself an invaluable player for Newcastle this season - probably his best since joining the club in 2017 - covering ably down both flanks. Another shifted uncomfortably into a central defensive role due to the late season injury avalanche. Getty
Javi Manquillo - 6: Spanish full-back has made himself an invaluable player for Newcastle this season - probably his best since joining the club in 2017 - covering ably down both flanks. Another shifted uncomfortably into a central defensive role due to the late season injury avalanche. Getty
Danny Rose - 6: Signed on loan from Spurs in January and has been solid if unspectacular. Newcastle desperately need a left-back and Jose Mourinho certainly doesn't want him at Tottenham, but at 30-years-old, he would appear to be too old for the Mike Ashley signing criteria. PA
Danny Rose - 6: Signed on loan from Spurs in January and has been solid if unspectacular. Newcastle desperately need a left-back and Jose Mourinho certainly doesn't want him at Tottenham, but at 30-years-old, he would appear to be too old for the Mike Ashley signing criteria. PA
Jonjo Shelvey - 8: A good season from the midfielder who, embarrassingly for Newcastle, finished as second-top scorer with six goals. A wonderful passer who also puts in a shift for the team. Getty
Jonjo Shelvey - 8: A good season from the midfielder who, embarrassingly for Newcastle, finished as second-top scorer with six goals. A wonderful passer who also puts in a shift for the team. Getty
Allan Saint-Maximin - 8: A very exciting talent, signed for around £16m last summer, who stepped up a level after the restart. Can be virtually unplayable for opponents when in full flow but needs more consistency, more composure in front of goal and better final product if he wants to reach the very top. Immense potential, though. Getty
Allan Saint-Maximin - 8: A very exciting talent, signed for around £16m last summer, who stepped up a level after the restart. Can be virtually unplayable for opponents when in full flow but needs more consistency, more composure in front of goal and better final product if he wants to reach the very top. Immense potential, though. Getty
Matt Ritchie - 7: A frustrating season for the winger/wingback due to injury but a whole-hearted player who will always give 100 per cent. Ended his scoring drought with fine goal against Spurs after the restart. Getty
Matt Ritchie - 7: A frustrating season for the winger/wingback due to injury but a whole-hearted player who will always give 100 per cent. Ended his scoring drought with fine goal against Spurs after the restart. Getty
Isaac Hayden - 7: Newcastle always feel a stronger outfit with Hayden sitting in front of the defence winning tackles and keeping things simple with the ball. Getty
Isaac Hayden - 7: Newcastle always feel a stronger outfit with Hayden sitting in front of the defence winning tackles and keeping things simple with the ball. Getty
Christian Atsu - 5: Winger has barely featured under Bruce, barring sporadic substitute appearances, and is set to leave the club this summer. AFP
Christian Atsu - 5: Winger has barely featured under Bruce, barring sporadic substitute appearances, and is set to leave the club this summer. AFP
Valentino Lazaro - 5: A frustrating time for the January loan signing from Inter Milan who was never given a run in the team by Bruce. Flashes of potential - excellent goal after coming on as substitute in the 4-1 win at Bournemouth, when also cracked the crossbar with a fierce strike - but not clear what is the midfielder's best position. Getty
Valentino Lazaro - 5: A frustrating time for the January loan signing from Inter Milan who was never given a run in the team by Bruce. Flashes of potential - excellent goal after coming on as substitute in the 4-1 win at Bournemouth, when also cracked the crossbar with a fierce strike - but not clear what is the midfielder's best position. Getty
Sean Longstaff - 6: Another facing a crucial season in his career. Local boy who has struggled for form and fitness this season but has the potential to become a first-team regular. Getty
Sean Longstaff - 6: Another facing a crucial season in his career. Local boy who has struggled for form and fitness this season but has the potential to become a first-team regular. Getty
Nabil Bentaleb - 5: The former Spurs midfielder was a huge disappointment after joining on loan from German side Schalke in January. The odd flash of quality but did not do enough to justify a permanent move. Getty
Nabil Bentaleb - 5: The former Spurs midfielder was a huge disappointment after joining on loan from German side Schalke in January. The odd flash of quality but did not do enough to justify a permanent move. Getty
Matty Longstaff - 6: The 20-year-old brother of Sean looks set for a move to Italy after refusing to sign a new deal at the club, much to the frustration of manager Bruce. Scored fairy-tale winner against Manchester United on his Premier League debut in October but failed to kick-on from that early high. PA
Matty Longstaff - 6: The 20-year-old brother of Sean looks set for a move to Italy after refusing to sign a new deal at the club, much to the frustration of manager Bruce. Scored fairy-tale winner against Manchester United on his Premier League debut in October but failed to kick-on from that early high. PA
Miguel Almiron - 7: Pacey midfielder who finally ended his goal drought this season and finished as Newcastle's top scorer with eight. A big season coming up for the Paraguayan - his third in England - where, like Saint-Maximin, needs to show more composure with his final ball. Still unclear what his best position is. Reuters
Miguel Almiron - 7: Pacey midfielder who finally ended his goal drought this season and finished as Newcastle's top scorer with eight. A big season coming up for the Paraguayan - his third in England - where, like Saint-Maximin, needs to show more composure with his final ball. Still unclear what his best position is. Reuters
ATTACKERS: Andy Carroll - 5: A frustrating return to Tyneside for the big striker. Like the story of his career as a whole, has been hindered by a series of niggling injuries and is still awaiting his first goal since rejoining last summer. Can feel rightly aggrieved, though, that he wasn't given more of a run as Bruce stuck by the misfiring Joelinton. Getty
ATTACKERS: Andy Carroll - 5: A frustrating return to Tyneside for the big striker. Like the story of his career as a whole, has been hindered by a series of niggling injuries and is still awaiting his first goal since rejoining last summer. Can feel rightly aggrieved, though, that he wasn't given more of a run as Bruce stuck by the misfiring Joelinton. Getty
Joelinton - 4: An absolute disaster of a first season in England for the club-record signing from Hoffenheim. Given the famous No 9 shirt but is clearly unsuited to lead the line. Four goals all season - and just two in the league in 32 starts - and needs a miraculous change in form and fortune if he join the list of Newcastle attacking greats. Getty
Joelinton - 4: An absolute disaster of a first season in England for the club-record signing from Hoffenheim. Given the famous No 9 shirt but is clearly unsuited to lead the line. Four goals all season - and just two in the league in 32 starts - and needs a miraculous change in form and fortune if he join the list of Newcastle attacking greats. Getty
Dwight Gayle - 6: A prolific striker in the Championship who struggles to repeat the feat at the top level. Still looked a more natural finisher than Joelinton and contributed three goals after the restart. Getty
Dwight Gayle - 6: A prolific striker in the Championship who struggles to repeat the feat at the top level. Still looked a more natural finisher than Joelinton and contributed three goals after the restart. Getty
Yoshinori Muto - 4: A reminder that poor signings were made under Benitez's reign as well. The £9.5m signing in the summer of 2018 has made two league starts all season and scored one goal - against Leicester in the League Cup. AFP
Yoshinori Muto - 4: A reminder that poor signings were made under Benitez's reign as well. The £9.5m signing in the summer of 2018 has made two league starts all season and scored one goal - against Leicester in the League Cup. AFP

_____________________________________________________________________

Supporters have long campaigned for Ashley to sell the club as they have been disillusioned with his 13-year spell as owner, which has included two relegations from the top flight.

The sportswear tycoon has been trying to offload the business he bought for £134.4m in 2007 for large parts of his tenure – much of that time spent at loggerheads with the fanbase.

Ashley was on Tyneside on Wednesday to meet manager Steve Bruce having sanctioned summers deals for £20m striker Callum Wilson, full-back Jamal Lewis, who cost £13.5m and free agents Ryan Fraser and Jeff Hendrick having had to fund a summer recruitment drive he had hoped would fall to new owners.

Newcastle begin the new season away to West Ham on Saturday.

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