Machibet LoginAlan Shearer says Newcastle 'can dare to hope again' as ex-Toon stars rejoice at £300m Saudi takeover | The Sun - Machibet Login

ECSTATIC Alan Shearer is "daring to hope again" as Newcastle stars past and present hailed Newcastle's £300million Saudi Arabian takeover.

The Toon legend, ex-England team-mate Michael Owen and even Ant 'n Dec celebrated controversial club owner Mike Ashley being bought out.

Pundit Alan Shearer is among big names delighted by Newcastle's takevoerCredit: Getty

The Premier League approved a takeover that could transform Newcastle into one of European football's mega-spenders after receiving "legally binding assurances" that the Saudi state would not control the club.

And BBC pundit Shearer posted: "Yesssssssss. We can dare to hope again."

But the response from fans of the second-bottom Magpies was mixed.

Some welcomed the buyout as it should mean a huge cash injection.

But others bemoaned Newcastle becoming associated with a country much criticised for its human rights record.

Nonetheless, former Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle striker Owen led a string of optimistic posts from big-name followers.

He wrote: "Such good news for everyone associated with . New ownership is exactly what the club needed. Renewed optimism, it could be a game changer for the club."

And Toon midfielder Isaac Hayden, 26, tweeted: "Exciting times for the club and the city of Newcastle. Enjoy your cans fans."

Geordie TV presenters Ant and Dec posted: "Oh what a beautiful day."

Hayden and the Saturday Night Takeaway duo were responding to Newcastle's official confirmation of the deal on Thursday evening.

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The Toon stated: "An investment group led by the Public Investment Fund, and also comprising PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, has completed the acquisition of 100% of Newcastle United Limited and Newcastle United Football Club Limited from St. James Holdings Limited."

The buyout has left manager Steve Bruce strongly tipped for the axe.

High-profile men linked with the now-lucrative St James' Park job include 5/1 bet ex-Chelsea chief Antonio Conte and Everton's former Toon boss Rafa Benitez at 9/1.

Ex-Stamford Bridge manager Frank Lampard is rated at 10/1 and Jose Mourinho 14/1.