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Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images
Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images

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Sam Allardyce reckons Newcastle manager Steve Bruce will be ‘worried’, amid takeover

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

(Thursday, 08:20am) that he believes Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce will be worried – amid reports that Mike Ashley is close to selling The Toon, after 13 years as owner.

Amanda Staveley looks to have finally secured a move to buy Newcastle from Sports Manufacturing mogul Ashley, as her PCP group is financially supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The combination of groups, which also includes Britain’s second wealthiest family in the Reuben brothers, have agreed to meet Ashley’s asking price of £300million. Staveley’s PCP and the Reuben brothers will get 10% each, while PIF will own 80%.

As with any takeover, speculation surrounding the manager hotseat has already started. Former Newcastle manager Allardyce claimed on TalkSPORT that Bruce – who has impressed in his first season as Toon manager – should be worried.

“I think he will be worried if the takeover happens. What sort of contract did he sign with Mike? Is there protection if a new owner comes in? Is there a break-off clause? I think Steve has done an excellent job,”
(Photo by Marc Atkins/Mark Leech/Getty Images)

TBR’s view – Out-of-work managers Newcastle could target

The obvious names, highlighted by the bookies, are former Juventus and AC Milan manager Massimilliano Allegri. The Italian was replaced by Maurizio Sarri last summer and is still out of work.

As is Argentine boss Mauricio Pochettino. The former Spurs manager has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but is yet to move to a new side since being replaced by Jose Mourinho.

But Bruce deserves the chance to shine under the new owners.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)