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Chris Knight

Newcastle evening headlines with Ghodoussi's takeover message and Staveley 'insight'

Mehrdad Ghodoussi believes the planned London protest by Newcastle United fans can make a difference in the ongoing takeover saga.

Elsewhere, Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah has vowed to push for answers following a discussion with Ghodoussi and partner Amanda Staveley.

Here are your Newcastle United headlines for July 11:

Ghodoussi's message

Middle East consortium director Mehrad Ghodoussi has insisted that the busload of Newcastle United fans heading to London this week to protest over the lack of transparency surrounding Mike Ashley's court battle can make a difference.

Fans will travel from Tyneside to make their point about the longstanding takeover wrangle after both Ashley and Amanda Staveley released media statements asking for the Premier League to go public on the current arbitration and anti-competition claims.

Ghodoussi, the husband of Staveley, says that fan power can help get the takeover completed and "over the line".

Staveley 'insight'

MP Chi Onwurah has vowed to push for answers from the Premier League and the government after gaining a 'greater insight' from Amanda Staveley into Newcastle United's takeover saga.

The Newcastle Central MP previously joined both Staveley and Mike Ashley in urging the Premier League to hold this month's arbitration hearing in public after being contacted by constituents in her area and the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust (NUST).

Ms Onwurah wrote to Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and Richard Masters, the Premier League's chief executive, earlier this week to 'demand greater transparency'.

Ms Onwurah personally called on Mr Dowden to 'intervene where you can in this process to allow fair and open decision making'.

A DCMS spokesman subsequently told ChronicleLive that 'as the governing body in this instance, it is up to the Premier League to come to a conclusion as quickly as possible and with due regard to transparency'.

The Premier League have yet to comment on the matter, but Ms Onwurah is not about to give up.

In fact, the Newcastle Central MP had a 'long discussion' with Staveley and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, over Zoom on Saturday.

Jones' story so far

'Sweet Caroline' has become the soundtrack to England's glorious summer - and it just so happens to be Graeme Jones go-to karaoke song.

The England coach, unsurprisingly, did not need a second invitation to join in with players and staff as the Neil Diamond hit crackled out of the public address system following the Three Lions' historic Euro 2020 semi-final win against Denmark.

As he watched Jones bounce on the spot with Jack Grealish and Chris Powell on Wednesday night, best friend Gary Brabin was just relieved that the 51-year-old's dulcet tones were drowned out by the thousands of supporters inside Wembley.

"I think that was probably the only blessing," the former Luton assistant told ChronicleLive.

"Graeme loves that song. He's got an awful taste in music and if he was to pick his 10 all-time favourite songs, I'm sure that would be one of them.

"I've heard him sing that horrendously when he's done karaoke. Hearing him sing sounds like nails scratching down a blackboard."

Saint-Maximin transfer claim

Former Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez will reportedly consider a £50m move for Allan Saint-Maximin this summer if Real Madrid swoop for Richarlison.

That's according to the Mirror, who believe former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is mulling over a move for the Brazilian forward.

The news will likely surprise Newcastle fans, with previous claims outlining Benitez was understood to be against a deal for Saint-Maximin two years ago before his departure.

Hayden's post

Newcastle United fans have applauded Isaac Hayden for his timely post celebrating his fifth anniversary on Tyneside.

The former Arsenal midfielder joined the Magpies on July 11, 2016, and has remained a key player for the club since helping Rafa Benitez's side secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC (Getty Images)

Hayden's long-term future at St James' Park has been the subject on speculation in recent days, with a report earlier this week suggesting the 26-year-old could be used as a makeweight in a deal for Watford star Will Hughes.

The holding midfielder is also said to be interesting Southampton, with claims on Sunday indicating the Saints are mulling over a £10m move.

Batty's message

David Batty has wished Kalvin Phillips 'all the best' in a rare public message from the former Newcastle United midfielder as England bid to end 55 years of hurt.

Remarkably, just a year ago, Phillips was playing in the Championship; in a few hours, the Leeds midfielder will be walking out at a packed Wembley to contest a Euro 2020 final against Italy.

Phillips' friends and family have each recorded their own individual messages for the 25-year-old as part of a heart-warming tribute on Leeds' social media channels.

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