Sunderland AFC legend Kevin Phillips predicts worrying news for Newcastle United on takeover front

News broke in the New York Times late in January that a Saudi-funded group, led by Amanda Staveley, is bidding to buy the club from Mike Ashley.

And while some reports even went as far to say the takeover was close, talk has gone somewhat silent since. Ashley, himself, watched the 3-2 win over Oxford United from the stands on Tuesday.

However, Richard Masters, chief executive at the Premier League, has revealed the Premier League’s stance when it comes to any potential Toon takeover.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: “It’s a hypothetical situation. I can’t say anything which adds to the speculation this might be happening or, indeed, might not be happening.

“Obviously, we want all of our clubs to do well. We don’t want there to be fan protests, and neither does Mike Ashley and the people that run Newcastle United.”

Magpies fans have remained sceptical over talk of a potential takeover having witnessed previous bids from Staveley and the Bin Zayed Group fall through.

And former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips was in no mood to offer any soothing words when he was also questioned about Ashley’s attempts to sell.

When questioned if he sees Ashley remaining as owner for the foreseeable future, Phillips told Football Insider: “I do (think so) to be honest because I just think, what’s it been, 10 years, over 10 years? And how many years has there been exactly the same but he’s still there?

“He’s obviously got very thick skin, hasn’t he, and yeah, I could honestly see him being there another one, two, three years.

“Newcastle fans probably don’t want to hear me say it but he has put his money where his mouth is and there’s no question about that.

“It’s just some of the decisions he made obviously upset the Newcastle supporters and they don’t see a way back for him.”

Meanwhile, Ki Sung-yueng, who was released on deadline day, is close to finding a new club.