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Cousin of City's owner to buy Newcastle

It has been reported that Mike Ashley has agreed to sell Newcastle for £350 million to the cousin of Manchester City’s Arab owner Sheikh Mansour. The Currant Bun is reporting that contracts have been signed and submitted to the Premier League between Ashley and Dubai-based billionaire Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan. He is a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family and was involved in a failed bid for Liverpool last year.

The failed Liverpool bid is discussed here: The Liverpool takeover

Newcastle are refusing to comment which suggests that there is something in the story. It is being reported that Rafa Benitez would be retained as manager.

Toon fans will be glad to see the back of Ashley and no doubt will be hoping that the Sheikh has pockets as deep as those of his cousin. If anyone dislikes the thought of an owner from the Gulf, perhaps they should wake up to 21st century geopolitical realities.

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