Shock reports claim Newcastle United-linked Saudi group target West Ham United takeover

Newcastle United's English owner Mike Ashley (L) and director Lee Charnley (R) applaud after Newcastle take the lead during the FA Cup fourth round replay football match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, west of London, on February 4, 2020.

A takeover bid by the Saudi Arabian sovereign fund, led by Amanda Staveley, have been in talks over a reported £340m deal for the Magpies.

However, since the story was first broke in the New York Times a few weeks ago, talk of a takeover has gone silent.

And according to Football Insider, there have been whispers that the Saudi group could turn their focus to West Ham, who also have unpopular owners in David Sullivan and David Gold.

The report claims the Hammers’ London location and “impressive financial performance” are very attractive to potential investors.

As well as the Saudi group and Staveley, the Reuben family were also linked with acquiring an 10% in Newcastle.

Ashley was in the stands during Newcastle’s win at Oxford United.