Ex Magpies midfielder still hoping for club takeover
Former Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has spoken out on a potential takeover saying that its what the fans deserve.
Current owner Mike Ashley had been engaged in extensive talks with Amanda Staveley and PCP partners but talks broke down last month.
Ashley is however still open to offers to sell the Tyneside club.
However, Barton is concerned that if Ashley fails to sell the club manager Rafael Benetiz will quit at the end of the season.
Benetiz has been public in his frustration at the lack of backing from the club’s hierarchy during the transfer window.
“I think Rafa would be well within his rights to say ‘enough is enough and I am out of here’ and I can see that happening if I a deal isn’t concluded by the summer.” Barton said while speaking on BT Sports Football Writers Podcast.
“I think he will stay until the summer, whether he keeps them up or not- because they are in a dogfight.” added Barton.
The Spaniard didn’t know his transfer budget until over halfway through the weekend, and although the loan signings of Kenedy, Martin Dubravka and Islam Slimani were enough to appease Benetiz, it remains to be seen whether he will stick around for another summer of transfer uncertainty under Ashley.
Credit to The Chronicle to the imagery used in this article.