Newcastle United news: Takeover latest as Rafa Benitez turns down job, Burnley star sends warning to Magpies

Billionaire and former Roma owner James Pallotta revealed in an interview with The Athletic he was looking to purchase a Premier League club similar to Newcastle United.

Mike Ashley, however, is focused on selling the Magpies to the Amanda Staveley-backed consortium – including the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the Reuben brothers.

As claimed by PA, despite Pallotta’s comments, Ashley is concentrating on the one party he knows has the financial backing and, he believes, the will to take Newcastle off his hands – Staveley & Co.

Here is some of the other news involving Newcastle United today:

James Tarkowski sends warning to Newcastle United

Burnley defender James Tarkowski has warned Newcastle that he and his teammates will bounce back from Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Southampton.

Sean Dyche’s side threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at St Mary’s and defeat to the Magpies this weekend will drag the Clarets back into relegation trouble.

Victory for Steve Bruce’s men at Turf Moor will lift them within one point of their hosts ahead of the final seven games but Tarkowski has warned that Burnley will be right up for it.

“There are positives to take out of it," the 28-year-old told the club website. “But the main thing is the result and it’s a shame we didn’t get anything.

“We have been in a good place recently and to go 2-0 up and to be cruising and feeling really comfortable, to lose the game 3-2 is very disappointing.

“But we will bounce back. We’ve got another big game next week and hopefully, we can put some more points on the board.”

Rafa Benitez targets Premier League return

Former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez says it is his priority to manage in the Premier League after revealing he recently turned down a return to management.

The 60-year-old has been out of work since January after leaving Chinese Super League side Dalian Pro – the club he joined when his contract on Tyneside expired in 2019.

Benitez name-checked United as he outlined his vision for his next managerial role, which he hopes is in England’s top league.

He told Spanish publication Marca: “I've already received more than one (offer) in the last few months, but it wasn't the right time or project. I needed to spend time with my family.

“I want to find a club with ambition, one either competing for titles or looking for a serious project that will lead to that later.

“I always say that the key to success is balance - both on the pitch between defence and attack, but also in the management of the club.

"My experiences with Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle have all been very enjoyable and for that reason my priority is the Premier League.

“My family are in England and it's the most complete league, but I can't rule out leaving. As I said, if there's a well-defined project with objectives.”

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