Newcastle fans react as Dominic Raab comments on potential takeover

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Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has suggested to Sky News that as long as Newcastle United’s takeover meets the legal safeguards, then investment from the Saudi-backed bid will be welcomed – and Toon fans have responded.

Mike Ashley’s 13-year reign is the closest it has been to ending, with Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners looking to take over – alongside the funding of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which would control 80%.

Staveley’s PCP group would control 10%, as would the Reuben Brothers in a new-look boardroom. However, there are doubts over a move to remove Ashley from his post as owner.

Most recently, a report from the World Trade Organisation produced a damning verdict on Saudi Arabia’s failure to tackle the pirate beoutQ service – which illegally streamed Premier League and World Cup matches.

However, Raab gave an encouraging update: “We had the same debate when [Roman] Abramovich took over Chelsea. It is right we welcome engagement and investment into football in this country.

“There are legal safeguards to make sure this is done properly. This is an open, out-looking country – we have investment from all over the world. But we do need the safeguards in place. I trust the courts and the institutions.”

It remains to be seen when an announcement will be made, and indeed, if a takeover is completed. But the summer window is expected to open at the beginning of August – and Newcastle will want a decision made by then.

Newcastle supporters reacted to the news that Raab has given an encouraging update despite the WTO’s damning report and other obstacles that have faced Staveley’s takeover bid – and many have reignited their optimism.

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