Double blow for Newcastle United as chief executive and striker target 'turn down' Magpies switch

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 18: Kevin Keegan (R) poses with Chief Executive Chris Mort after being officially announced as the new Newcastle United manager, at St James Park on January 18, 2008 in Newcastle, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The Saudi Arabian-financed takeover of Newcastle is likely to be confirmed next week and a football board and executive level appointed.

Mort, according to the Times’ Martin Hardy, was offered the chance to join but has declined the offer. Mort was United chairman under Mike Ashley from 2008 to 2009.

Meanwhile, Bleacher Report claim that sources close to the takeover claim PCP Capital Partners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the Reuben Brothers could sanction a £150million spend when the next transfer window opens, presumably following the completion of the 2019/20 campaign.

The same report claims a move for PSG forward Edinson Cavani is unlikely, though.

It states: “Forget about names like Griezmann, Cavani and Werner for now. That tier of player will not arrive this year because of the team’s current status as much as anything to do with financing.

“Newcastle have not won a major trophy since 1955 and are placed 13th in the table this season. To use one example, a source told B/R, ‘Edinson Cavani has not jumped at a transfer to Atletico Madrid and has also turned down offers from clubs in Italy so far, so why would he want to join Newcastle?’.”

Elsewhere, former hero Faustino Asprilla thinks Steve Bruce should KEEP his job at United.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: “I think we have to keep Steve Bruce. He's a good manager and coach, so I think he should stay.”