Newcastle United in 'advanced talks' over massive summer deal

Newcastle United are in advanced talks with a Saudi Arabian's company bidding to become the club's next front-of-shirt sponsor.

Sela, an events company, is the leading contender to replace longstanding sponsor FUN88 on the front of the team's jerseys next season.

The club has been sponsored by FUN88, a betting firm, since 2017. However, United's new owners, looking to increase commercial revenues, have negotiated an early end to what was described by the club as "long-term" deal when it was extended in 2020 when Mike Ashley was still owner.

And an announcement on a new sponsor is expected soon ahead of the release of next season's Castore kits.

A FUN88 advert in the matchday programme for Monday night's goalless draw against Leicester City hinted at an end to their agreement with the club, which will be playing Champions League football next season.

It read: “As the season draws to a pulsating finale, we wanted to extend our best wishes to you, the heartbeat of this great institution, the Newcastle United fans.

“It’s been the most thrilling campaign since our partnership began, and we’ve loved being on the terraces with you every week just as much as we enjoy our interactions with you on social media every day.

“Our relationship with you and your great club is something we all treasure immensely."

United's new shirt deal is expected to be worth upwards of £25million a season to the club, which is 80%-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund following a takeover in late 2021.

The deal will have to be struck at "fair market value" under Premier League rules on sponsorship, and it will be independently assessed.

Newcastle must increase commercial revenues so the club can recruit players within Financial Fair Play rules.