Newcastle United: Shay Given offers extremely high hopes for January
By Roy Emanuel
Well, this would be massive news.
Newcastle United have an important challenge in front of them tonight, hosting Leicester City and working towards ending a frustrating win-less streak (now at six matches). Confirmation of a new ownership group taking over was expected before the new year, although things are not moving as quickly as they first appeared.
If PCP Capital Partners and Amanda Staveley are able to complete a deal in time to make something of the January transfer period, former United goalkeeper Shay Given has quite an interesting plan. Speaking to The Daily Star, Given believes that the Magpies could make an attempt to sign Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal.
A bold proclamation to say the least, it makes one wonder exactly what type of spending Newcastle’s potential new owners will bring.
The key to #nufc takeover is agreeing a price both parties are happy with. Once both parties agree what that is we are on our way. The meeting can be seen as a huge positive. Amanda & PCP want #nufc & MA wants to sell. pic.twitter.com/LRy5TomALI
— NUFC Matters Steve (@stevewraith) December 7, 2017
Given clarified his remarks, and stated that much of this would depend on the financial climate that arrives in the North East. “If the investors come in and have got endless amounts of money, they could sign Sanchez, for example. It depends who these new owners are.”
The idea of the Chilean international leaving the Gunners is certainly not a shocking notion, as Sanchez has been very close to exiting the Emirates. But to St. James’ Park? Now that would be a surprise.
Given also went on to make a comparison between Manchester City’s recent history and the new regime at Newcastle. “I’m not saying he’ll go there and they could instead trawl down the bottom part of the league – you just don’t know how much money they’ll have. You look at Sheikh Mansour when he came to Manchester City and signed Robinho.”
Whether the thought of Alexis Sanchez on the wing for the Toon is taken seriously or not, the greatest issue for next month is timing. Even if a final decision is made, it may not be completed soon enough for PCP Capital Partners to spend big in the January transfer market.
Next: Casillas rumours for Newcastle are too good to be true
The coming month will be an important period for Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez to improve their team. If it were up to Shay Given, the Toon Army would enjoy singing Alexis Sanchez’s name on matchdays in 2018!