Many Newcastle supporters have been reacting on social media to an article by The Times, which outlined what manager Rafa Benitez is seeking to understand amid the speculation over a takeover bid by Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
It is said Benitez wants to know more about who the potential new owner is, following claims by The Sun, which suggested the terms of a £350million deal had been agreed with Mike Ashley, and that an announcement of the change in ownership is expected at the ‘earliest opportunity’.
The Sun also proposed that contracts between Ashley and the Bin Zayed Group had been signed and submitted to the Premier League for approval, although club sources have since told The Times that proof of funds has not yet been provided.
“For now, it’s business as usual,” a club source said. “It has to be. We’ve been here before.”
That goes for Benitez, too. The Spaniard is reluctant to sign a new contract with the Magpies now, unless he receives clarification over the suitability of Sheikh Khaled’s offer and his plans for the club, whom he has not yet had any contact with – direct or otherwise.
The Times go on to add that the cause of Ashley’s delay in agreeing a deal with Benitez is, in part, down to our current owner becoming distracted by losing his £150million investment into Debenhams.
With the gaffer’s current deal set to expire on June 30, here’s how these Newcastle fans reacted to the claims…
My wife is expecting our 3rd child any day. Is it wrong that I am more excited for a potential joint announcement of Rafa and the Sheikh?
— Alastair Campbell (@alastair10) May 27, 2019
Surely Rafa is part of the deal? ????
— chris (@CDJ_45) May 27, 2019
@GeorgeCaulkin I really hope that Rafa is the first signing regardless of the takeover. He has been so loyal to the club and for me deserves a long term contract. How quick realistically could a takeover be completed if genuine? My worry is missing out on players too.
— Mike (@MichaelBohan8) May 27, 2019
Rafa has known all the long man.
— roe (@mroe997) May 27, 2019
Of course he has !! Been going on for ages this
— Steve Johnston (@Sjohnston7Steve) May 27, 2019
“Rafa Benitez also frantically refreshing Twitter”
— Red Lewis ???????????????? (@_RedLewis) May 27, 2019
Rafa gets a 5 year deal and builds his side around new signing Gareth Bale.
— NUFC Retweeter (@NufcWales) May 27, 2019
Rafa will know more than he’s letting on I reckon.
— john (@mulley85) May 27, 2019
Clarification if his trf budget of £61m is for all players still or he can blow that on one player and still have loads left. ????
— Greg Merrilees (@GM7910) May 27, 2019
So MA had negotiations with Rafa about a new deal and didn’t bother to mention he was discussing a takeover? Seems odd although nowt would surprise me with that bloke
— Sean (@seaned75) May 27, 2019