Although Rafael Benitez is reportedly aware of investment interest from abroad, he will surely hope Newcastle United’s focus remains on the transfer market.
News broke on Monday of a takeover bid for Newcastle United, with Sky Sports reporting interest from a Chinese consortium.
The Telegraph later clarified that owner Mike Ashley could merely accept investment in return for some of his shares, rather than selling his 100 per cent stake in the club.
But the timing of this bid is not ideal for Newcastle, who have a crucial summer ahead of them to rebuild the squad.
Rafael Benitez has so far only handed loan signing Christian Atsu a permanent contract, although the Chronicle claim the Spaniard wants up to 12 new faces through the door.
And, while the Telegraph’s report suggested Benitez is well aware of the ongoing interest from foreign investors, uncertainty off the pitch is unlikely to help Newcastle get business done.
Links to Tammy Abraham and Florian Lejeune – in The Times – have dragged on for two weeks now, with neither deal seemingly any closer to completion.
Newcastle fans have previously witnessed summers where Ashley has attempted to sell the club and seen little transfer activity; if the Magpies are to reestablish themselves in the Premier League next term, they cannot afford another window like that.
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