Sunderland co-owner Charlie Methven has this warning for Newcastle United's new billionaire owners

The St James’s Park outfit are the subject of a £300million bid from a Saudi-led group, backed by Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brothers – with the deal currently going through Premier League checks.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund look set to take an 80 per cent shareholding in the club once the deal is signed-off.

And Methven – who owns a minority six per cent stake in Sunderland despite resigning as a director last year – has some advice for the Magpies potential new owners as they prepare to embark on their first foray into North East football.

“You need a thick skin,” said Methven, as quoted in a Bloomberg article.

“It’s a profound culture shock for people who haven’t been in a football environment.”