Jamaal Lascelles has been speaking to Sky Sports about the takeover, ahead of Newcastle’s game against Tottenham in the Premier League this Sunday.
What’s the story?
Well, the 27-year-old revealed that Amanda Staveley actually phoned him 30 minutes before the takeover went through.
Lascelles told Sky Sports: “I was sat at home with my kids and my partner and my phone rang. She just introduced herself and said, as captain, I just wanted to let you know the takeover’s gonna happen in 30 minutes.
“I really appreciated it. It was fantastic. I got goosebumps.”
Clearly, that gesture meant a lot to the £40,000-a-week man.
Staveley didn’t have to do that, and Lascelles presumably wouldn’t have cared too much if she didn’t.
However, the fact Staveley considered involving the captain in things, and confided in him, is great to see.
It immediately gets the new owners onside with one of the most influential figures at St James’ Park, which isn’t a bad move to make.
If they now go ahead and hand Steve Bruce his P45, they’ll become even more popular on Tyneside.
What should happen first in January after Newcastle takeover?
In our view, it’s important to fill Newcastle’s squad with experienced Premier League players before splashing the cash on foreign imports.
As things stand, Newcastle’s squad arguably isn’t good enough to survive, and a new, reliable spine is needed.
Players like James Tarkowski – who Newcastle think they can sign fairly quickly, according to 90min – should be the priority.
Add in a solid, dependable central midfielder, striker and possibly a goalkeeper – all with Premier League experience – and the Magpies will have a nice foundation to start with.
Only then should Newcastle start to add icing to the cake, with players like Mauro Icardi and Lorenzo Insigne, among others.
Whatever happens, it should be seriously exciting to follow.
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