Newcastle United could challenge at the top end of the Premier League should the right buyer purchase the club from Mike Ashley.
That’s according to West Ham co-owner Karren Brady who believes that with Rafa Benitez at the helm and a sizeable transfer budget, the Magpies could take on the ‘very best’ in the top flight.
Writing in her column with the Sun, she said: “So there will be smiles of satisfaction that the job is a quarter done and confidence is high after a trio of victories last weekend.
“Benitez went to St James’ understanding far more clearly than his employer that the Toon are a tiger waiting to be unleashed.
“Mike Ashley the gambler was initially tempted by the huge potential of the club.
“But Ashley the businessman admits he has not been able to work out how to operate the intricate internal machinery that makes one up.
“Rafa’s management skills are responsible for Ashley’s windfall and he now has a fair chance of transforming Newcastle into one of the few clubs with the support and profile to challenge the very best.
“A guaranteed 52,000 home crowd will be a warming prospect to potential buyers with sound ideas and an even sounder wallet — only billionaires need apply.”
West Ham United have been linked with Benitez several times over the last 12 months and Everton have also been touted with an interest in the Spaniard but Benitez insists he’s happy on Tyneside.
The news that the club is now officially up for sale and the serious interest from Amanda Staveley and her PCP group, will only have spiked Benitez's desire to stay at the Magpies and build for a successful future.