NEWCASTLE UNITED'S Saudi takeover is back ON, with the £300m deal 'imminent'.
The Saudis and Qataris have been locked in a brutal dispute for more than four years after Doha-based beIN Sports had its feed across the Middle East hijacked.
But there has been a major breakthrough after the Gulf state finally lifted its ban on neighbour Qatar's beIN Sports and approval from the Premier League for the deal's completion could come within the next 24 hours.
And that looks set to spell the end of Steve Bruce's time as Toon boss.
With the buyout set to be announced today, SunSport has also taken a look at the players the new owners could bring in, including Gareth Bale.
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- Jake Lambourne
ALL ABOARD
Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin has responded to news of the club's controversial Saudi takeover on Twitter.
The £300million deal is back ON after the Saudi government resolved their dispute with Qatari broadcaster BeINSports.
Fans have been dreaming of completing several big money signings to gain a place among the Premier League's elite.
And it appears they aren't the only ones.
Saint-Maximin, 24, didn't specifically reference the takeover.
But with social media awash with reports of the deal's imminent status, he posted a video featuring a man saying 'good morning' before laughing hysterically.
- Jake Lambourne
TIM'S UP
Timo Werner admits he's 'not satisfied' at Chelsea – but denies he's angling for a transfer away.
His form as well as a change of agent has seen him linked with a move away from Chelsea.
He told express.de: "The last few weeks have been difficult at Chelsea.
"After many years, I was suddenly a little behind and had to fight my way again.
"A career always goes up and down, never steadily upwards. But you learn to deal with it.
"I have to bite into it again, that challenges me. Of course, I would like to enjoy more minutes, so I give my best in training."
- Jake Lambourne
COR BLIMEY
Wolves winger Francisco Trincao has tested positive for Covid-19 and is in danger of missing his side's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday week.
The 21-year-old summer signing from Barcelona is self-isolating after he tested positive, ahead of Portugal's double-header against Qatar and Luxembourg.
Trincao was a late call-up to the Portuguese squad after Benfica's Rafa Silva pulled out.
However his hopes of adding to his seven caps were wrecked when he returned a positive rapid test on arrival at the Portuguese base – followed by a positive PCR test.
- Jake Lambourne
ON THE PAUL
Man Utd midfielder Paul Pogba has reportedly been mulling over a new deal at Old Trafford since July.
The French midfielder is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and is free to talk to foreign clubs in January.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Paul Pogba has a contract extension proposal on the table from Manchester United since last July.
“Long-term new deal and increased salary.
“But there’s NO final answer yet from Pogba side and his agent Raiola. Man Utd are waiting for his decision – pushing for months.”
- Jake Lambourne
HISTORY MAKER
England will have a woman refereeing their game for the first time EVER against Andorra.
Kateryna Monzul will be in charge for the Three Lions' World Cup Qualifier against the Euro minnows.
The 40-year-old Ukrainian took charge of her first international match in September 2005.
Monzul became the first referee to take charge of a Ukrainian top-flight game in 2016.
And in November 2020 she officiated in the Uefa Nations League clash between San Marino and Gibraltar.
Monzul was part of an all-female officiating team which made history by taking charge of the senior men's international.
She will have fellow Ukrainian women Maryna Striletska and Svitlana Grushko running the lines.
And the video assistant ref will be Stephanie Frappart from France.
- Jake Lambourne
EZE DOES IT
EXCLUSIVE – Ebere Eze is ahead of schedule in his recovery from an Achilles injury.
There were initial fears the Crystal Palace star, 23, would be out until the new year after sustaining the problem in training at the back end of last season.
But he is back running and doing ball work already – as he revealed himself in an online clip on Tuesday to the delight of fans.
That is earlier than the club expected and now there is an outside chance he could even return to action next month.
The Eagles will understandably be cautious with the attacking midfielder though and will look to integrate him slowly back into the first-team squad.
- Jake Lambourne
WHAT A TOON
Newcastle's controversial Saudi takeover is back ON after the country's government resolved its dispute with Qatari broadcaster BeINSports.
Amid news that the £300million deal is set to go through, Toon fans are already dreaming of what their star-studded team could look like after investment from what would be the world's richest owners.
Fans have long yearned for a competitive team at St James' Park. And they could finally get their wish.
A host of top managers have been linked with the post by bookies, including the likes of Antonio Conte and Frank Lampard.
And fans have even dreamed of signing Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Just for fun, let's take a look at how the Magpies could look next season after phase one of their Saudi-led backing.
- Jake Lambourne
RO-ING BACK
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has returned to London for the first time in three years.
The 54-year-old's entrepreneurial visa expired in April 2018, but having obtained an Israeli passport later that year, the oligarch has been able to get back to visit his family.
The UK government made it harder for powerful Russians to obtain visas after the Salisbury poisoning incident in 2018.
And the stance affected Abramovich's ability to gain entry to the UK.
But having obtained an Israeli passport the billionaire has been able to make his first trip to the UK in three years without the need for a visa.
Abramovich's spokesperson confirmed the Chelsea owner is in the UK to see relatives, according to the Independent.
And he could reportedly visit his beloved Blues while in the capital.
- Jake Lambourne
UNITED FRONT
Man Utd are interested in signing Stoke City wonderkid Emre Tezgel, according to reports.
Tezgel, 16, has enjoyed a rapid rise through the Stoke academy and he is very well regarded at the club.
As a 15-year-old he featured regularly for the under-18s side last season before training with the under-23s over the summer.
And his form at club and international youth level has drawn attention from United, as well as Chelsea and Manchester City – with all three sides tracking the youngster according to the Daily Mail.
Tezgel is part of England's under-17s team and helped his side reach the final of the Syrenka Cup in Poland last month, scoring four goals in three games along the way.
He was named player of the tournament – an honour previously bestowed onto England star and Chelsea transfer target Jude Bellingham.
- Jake Lambourne
JEERS MATE
Gianluigi Donnarumma was booed by Italy supporters during their 2-1 Nations League defeat to Spain.
The 6ft 5in goalkeeper was making his first return to San Siro since running down his AC Milan contract and ditching them for Paris Saint-Germain during the summer.
Italy boss Roberto Mancini was fuming with their actions.
The former Man City chief said: "It certainly won’t have pleased him, just as it did not please us. Gigio did well.
"Donnarumma played for Italy and it was not a club game.
"This situation could have been put aside for one night and [he could have been] whistled [at] in a possible PSG vs Milan [match]. Italy are Italy and come above all else."
- Jake Lambourne
RACISM SHAME
EXCLUSIVE – Reports of racism in English football are up by more than 50 PER CENT this season.
And Kick It Out chief executive Tony Burnett claims there is a “nasty underbelly” in grounds.
The anti-racism charity has received “just over 50 per cent” more cases compared to when stadia were last full in the pre-pandemic 2019-20 season.
The news comes after Simon Silwood became the first fan to be jailed over online abuse of a player, West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers.
Burnett said: “What we’re seeing is a massive increase in reports of incidents at grounds. There’s a nasty underbelly at the minute in terms of behaviour.
“People think it’s OK to share views that 20 years ago were just seen as abhorrent. Some of the language that people are using in grounds we thought went out years ago.
“Our discrimination cases are up just over 50 per cent this season. In the professional game, most of what we get reported is at grounds.”
- Jake Lambourne
VIN SOME LOSE SOME
Carlos Vinicius says Tottenham did want to sign him before his summer return to Benfica – but a deal fell through.
The striker joined Spurs on loan in October 2020 with a view to a permanent move.
When asked by Zero Zero if he felt they wanted to sign him, he said: “Yes, at times Tottenham wanted to, but they ended up not being able to.
“Regarding [Harry] Kane, no comment is needed. He is a great striker. For me he's among the top three strikers today.
“I'm glad I learned so much even though I was his substitute. In that situation, you only have two options: either let go or learn. And in the minutes they give you, prove your worth.
“That's the one I chose. I took advantage, gave my best, proved my worth and I believe the Tottenham staff, including the fans, liked it."
- Jake Lambourne
WIZARD OF OZ
EXCLUSIVE – Mesut Ozil is fulfilling his mother’s deep demand to use his football skills to help others.
The ex-Arsenal star says he will give British South Asian players a platform to shine after launching the Football for Peace Mesut Ozil Centre in Bradford.
Less than 0.25 per cent of players across the English leagues are from a South Asian background, despite making up around eight per cent of the population.
Ozil, 32, is a third-generation Turkish-German and now plays for Fenerbahce.
He was not at Wednesday's launch but his agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, said: “Mesut is so happy to be supporting such a unique project.
“When he was at Arsenal, he had a letter on the wall of his London home from his mother. It said, ‘Mesut my son, God has given you a talent in life.
“He didn’t give it just for you, you needs to share it. And if you don’t do this, you are not my son.’”
- Etienne Fermie
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
After a world record 37 games unbeaten, Italy have finally tasted defeat for the first on home soil this century in a 2-1 loss to Spain.
The damage was done in the first half when Ferran Torres converted two delicious Mikel Oyarzabal crosses either side of Leonardo Bonucci's red card.
Spain controlled the second period yet a late Lorenzo Pellegrini goal set up a grandstand finish. La Roja held on though, and will now face the winners of Belgium against France in Sunday's final of the Nations League.
Meanwhile, Italy star Georgio Chiellini revealed he’s ashamed of Napoli fans who racially abused Fiorentina players when the sides met last week.
Chiellini said hearing the abhorrent chants disgusted him and he demanded action was taken as racist fans don’t reflect the image of his native country.
He said, reported by JOE: “We need laws and rules that are applied.
“I was ashamed, as an Italian and a Tuscan, also because Italy is not a racist country for me.”
Elsewhere, Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he has no ill feelings towards Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger who ended his Champions League final early in May.
Rudiger forced De Bruyne off the pitch when he clattered into him, giving the Belgian concussion.
But after looking back at the game, De Bruyne reckons Rudiger didn’t mean any harm and was just trying to block him getting the ball.
And finally, Kylian Mbappe’s mum denies claims that her son is at loggerheads with Paris Saint-Germain over his demands to leave the club.
Infact, she claims that Mbappe is holding progressive talks with PSG about signing a new contract.
And even if he doesn’t commit his future to the club, Mbappe’s mother is adamant he’s dedicated to bringing the Champions League trophy to Paris before his potential exit.
- Justin Lawrence
IT'S OVER
After a world record 37 games unbeaten, Italy finally taste defeat and it's their first on home soil this century in a 2-1 loss to Spain.
The damage was done in the first half when Ferran Torres converted two delicious Mikel Oyarzabal crosses either side of Leonardo Bonucci's red card.
Spain controlled the second period yet a late Lorenzo Pellegrini goal set up a grandstand finish.
La Roja held on though, and will now face the winners of Belgium against France in Sunday's final of the Nations League.
- Justin Lawrence
MAGPIE MBAPPE
Newcastle fans are dreaming of Kylian Mbappe heading to St.James' Park as reports claim the club is subject to a £300million Saudi takeover.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund have been locked in a battle to buy the Magpies for the past four years but it appears that a deal with Toon chief Mike Ashley is back on.
And upon hearing the news, Toon fans have flocked to Twitter to share their visions of a new-look Newcastle lead by Mbappe and Erling Haaland, with under-fire boss Steve Bruce at the helm.
One fan wrote: "Imagine the Saudis come in, yeah. Get Mbappe on a free. Get Haaland for €75m. With the promise that they'll be in the Champions League.
"And then they entrust them players with Steve Bruce as manager."
While another beamed: "We are getting nearer and nearer to the dream scenario of Steve Bruce managing a front three of Mbappe, Haaland and Joelinton."
- Justin Lawrence
PRINCELY SUMS
Newcastle United's stalled Saudi takeover could be back on after the Gulf state finally lifted its ban on neighbour Qatar's beIN Sports.
The Public Investment Fund, which is the Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund belonging to Mohammad bin Salman, is set to own 80 per cent of the club in the proposed deal.
But who is bin Salman, a man with famous friends, bucketloads of cash – and potentially a Premier League team all of his own?
As SunSport found out, he's not short of material wealth.
The son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, his family are said to be worth close to £1TRILLION.
That means bin Salman, 34, has an insatiable appetite for spending his cash.
The playboy has reportedly splashed hundreds of millions in the past on a fancy yacht, a French home and even some rare art as he lives a life of luxury.
It's meant he's also made friends in high places, including in the White House – where he met former President Donald Trump, who he's called a friend.
- Justin Lawrence
RACE SHAME
Euro 2020 winner Giorgio Chiellini has revealed that he is "ashamed" of the racist abuse Fiorentina fans directed at Napoli players.
Napoli's black trio Kalidou Koulibaly, Osimhen and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa were racially abused by Fiorentina's supporters during their 2-1 victory last week.
And the abuse they faced has disgusted Juventus star Chiellini who wants tougher sanctions for those spewing hatred becausethey don't stand for what Italy represents.
He said, reported by JOE: "We need laws and rules that are applied,
"I was ashamed, as an Italian and a Tuscan, also because Italy is not a racist country for me.
"Something more must be done, otherwise from outside we give a bad image of ourselves."
- Justin Lawrence
MUM'S THE WORD
Kylian Mbappe's mum claims that the striker's contract talks with Paris Saint-Germain are progressing smoothly.
The French star has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid next summer when his PSG contract runs out.
But the 22-year-olds mother, Fayza Lamari revealed that he's still discussing his future with the Ligue 1 giants.
She even claims to be in close contact with PSG chief Leonardo.
Lamari told Le Parisien: 'We are in talks with PSG right now and it's going well.
'I even spoke to PSG sporting director Leonardo on Monday night."
However, Lamari couldn't confirm if her son will stay in Paris or not, but did say he's committed to winning the Champions League with Mauricio Pochettino's team.
She added: "But will we reach an outcome? One thing is sure: he will give his all right up until the end to win the Champions League."
- Justin Lawrence
DE BLUR
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne claims he doesn't hold any malice towards Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger for injuring him in the Champions League final.
De Bruyne was forced off the pitch after clashing with Rudiger in the second half of the game which the Blues went on to win 1-0.
The Belgian doesn't even remember what happened as he was suffering from a concussion, but after seeing pictures from the game, he's sure Rudiger meant no harm.
De Bruyne told HLN: "I have seen the images back. He just wanted to block me, not to cause an injury.
"For me, it was not a red card. I was concussed, so the final is all a blur."
- Sandra Brobbey
GUND DEED
Man City ace Ilkay Gundogan is set to pay for 5,000 trees to be planted in the aftermath of natural disasters.
The German international made the decision in response to major natural disasters in Germany and Turkey.
Swathes of Germany endured catastrophic flooding in July after heavy rainfall.
Gundogan said: "It is particularly important that we set an example now, that events like these in summer 2021 do not become a daily occurrence for our children.
"Even in primary school, we learn how important trees are for mankind and for our climate.
"I would like to play a small part with this campaign to draw more attention to this issue, but also to contribute financial support."
- Sandra Brobbey
PRICEY STERLING
Barcelona are thought to be struggling to fund a bid for Raheem Sterling.
Reports claim the club owes almost £100million in transfer fees.
The Daily Star says the Catalan giants' financial woes mean they could be priced out of a move for the £300,000-a-week forward in the next two transfer windows.
Arsenal are also thought to be interested in the England international.
- Sandra Brobbey
TOONS OVER THE MOON
Newcastle's stalled takeover involving Saudi officials could be back on after the Gulf state backed down in its piracy duel with Qatar.
The Saudis and Qataris have been going head-to-head for more than four years after Doha-based beIN Sports had its feed across the Middle East hijacked.
Reports today say the Saudis have capitulated, reversing the block on the beIN feed and agreeing to settle the company’s legal cases, including a £750m investment arbitration claim.
And this could be the game-changer Newcastle supporters have waited for.
Sunsport understands that the U-turn has been greeted with relief and delight in Qatar.
- Sandra Brobbey
MAD ABOUT MADY
Liverpool are rumoured to have their eye on Mady Camara with the Express describing the player as Naby Keita 2.0.
It is though the midfielder's performances for Olympiacos have impressed the Reds.
The player is reported to have put in a solid shift for the Greek club in their 3-0 trouncing of Fenerbahce in the Europa League last week.
The player's ability on the pitch is thought to have earned him comparisons to his Guinea compatriot Keita.
- Sandra Brobbey
EAGER EAGLES
Crystal Palace's American co-owner says the club are thriving on their underdog status.
The Eagles are targeting a top 10 finish for the first time in a decade under Patrick Vieira.
Harris, who with David Blitzer joined Palace chairman Steve Parish with a partnership stake in the club in 2015, believes his side have had to be more imaginative in the transfer market to compete with other clubs.
Harris told a Leaders Week sports conference: "We (Palace) are scrappy and on the move and in mid-table, hopefully moving towards the top 10.
"So for us it’s fun, it’s enjoyable," added Harris, with Palace sitting in 14th spot.
"We like that underdog (spirit) but being on the rise. But we have to be a bit more agile, a bit more fleet of foot – those are the differences."
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