Newcastle in talks with Saudi events company over shirt sponsor

They have no links to Saudi Arabia... honest

Sky Sports claim that Sela are rumoured to be in discussions with the Magpies over a £30m-a-year deal to replace betting firm Fun888, who signed a £6.5m-a-year deal in 2017.

The Jeddah-based company were founded in 1995 and claim to be the "leading events management company and a pioneer of the sports industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

They already have links with the Kingdom's national football team, who surprisingly beat eventual winners Argentina in the World Cup last year.

Talks have taken place with other potential sponsors in recent months and a decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks.

The Daily Mail have said that the rumoured deal will not breach the Premier League's rules on third-party transactions. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has an 80 per cent majority stake in the Magpies, which has drawn criticism from other top-flight clubs and Amnesty International.

While the deal itself can't be stopped, there is a chance that the league could force Newcastle to re-negotiate if they deem that it will give the club an unfair financial advantage.

In comparison, Manchester City's Etihad Airways shirt sponsor deal is estimated to be worth £67.5m-a-year, therefore it appears unlikely that any alterations will be made to the supposed deal with Sela.

Eddie Howe's side head to Chelsea on Sunday knowing that their place in the Champions League is already secure after their 0-0 draw with Leicester City on Monday night.

Related links:

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• Newcastle’s £305m Saudi takeover faces fresh scrutiny
• Newcastle officially release definitely not Saudi-themed third kit