Report: Newcastle cult hero with Sunderland scalp wants SJP return post-takeover

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Newcastle United have reportedly identified Magpies cult hero Nikos Dabizas as a candidate for the role of Director of Football, according to The Chronicle.

The Premier League club is in the final stages of a takeover bid, with the Magpies now very close to being bought off Mike Ashley, as was reported by talkSPORT on Wednesday.

PCP Capital Partners, headed by Amanda Staveley, have brokered the £300million deal which is being backed by the Saudi Arabian royal family’s Public Investment Fund.

Ashley and PCP have entered into a binding agreement, with terms agreed last week and a deposit paid, and documentation has been sent to the Premier League.

Newcastle’s prospective new owners are expected to have major ambitions upon arriving at St. James’ Park, and one role they reportedly want to fill is that of Director of Football.

Dabizas, who played for Newcastle between 1998 and 2004, has been impressing at Greek giants Panathinaikos and is reportedly keen on returning to St James’ Park.

According to The Chronicle, the 46-year-old “has helped rebuild the Athens side, wheeling and dealing efficiently and also promoting players from the club’s academy.

“A crowd favourite as a player, he has his UEFA pro licence and executive master for international players.

“Dabizas also retains representation in the area in the form of Paul Monaghan, an agent with Newcastle-based St James’ Square Sports Management.”

Dabizas also helped Newcastle to a famous victory away at Sunderland in February 2002, scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

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Newcastle fans have had to put up with many protracted takeover stories over the years which never came to fruition, but the latest reports suggest that one is now closer than ever.

As well as being a cult hero at St James’ Park, complete with winning goal on their rivals’ turf, Dabizas has been excelling in a similar role, has representation in the area and is reportedly eager to make a return.

On paper, he sounds like the ideal candidate for the role.