Why Newcastle United's £300million Saudi takeover could be good news for Sunderland AFC

Mike Ashley has agreed a deal to sell to the Magpies to a group comprising the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brothers - with the deal currently going through Premier League checks.

And former Sunderland defender Darren Williams believes that such a deal could prove to have a positive effect on the Black Cats given that eyes will be firmly fixed on the North East.

“The more and more investment clubs get in, especially in the North East, can only benefit everyone,” he said, speaking on Football Matters.

“Newcastle is a big club, and Sunderland is a big club. We know that from the passion and support that both teams get.

“Somebody could now take a look at Sunderland and think there could be a development there.

“If you’re a wealthy company, you could look at Sunderland in League One and think the only thing you could do is increase its value.

“Sunderland is a sleeping giant and it just needs someone to take it forward.”

“There is a rivalry, but it’s fantastic to see that people are interested in clubs up in the North East,” he continued.

“Generally, guys with this stature and this amount of money would look at the capital for your big teams in London to take over.

“But this can only benefit everyone.

“Eyes have gone on to Newcastle, who knows what else could happen? Somebody might then become interested in Sunderland.

“It could be a catalogue of things, and it could help other teams along the way.”

Sunderland remain up for sale, with owner Stewart Donald having publicly announced his intention to sell his majority stake earlier this year.

A club statement released earlier this week said: “Whilst the club remains for sale, there is understandably increased uncertainty within global markets and the economy as a whole due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”