Newcastle United's owners have reportedly held talks as they look towards adding a team to their network as part of a multi-club model.
The Magpies are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, fronted by Amanda Staveley and Yasir Al-Rumayyan and are said to be keen to emulate the model of Manchester City.
The City Football Group structure owns clubs in the United States, Australia, India, Japan, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, China, Belgium, France and Italy. This structure has provided a platform for young players to go out on loan as well as access to a greater scouting network for acquiring talent across the world.
And the Saudi PIF could follow suit after having a tour of Belgian club KV Oostende, as they weigh up which club to invest in, according to the I.
There are already multiple Premier League clubs with stakes in Belgian football, with Brighton owner Tony Bloom also majority shareholder at Europa League quarter-finalists Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The City Football Group, meanwhile, hold a 99 percent stake in second tier club Lommel S.K in, while Leicester City's King Power Group owners are in charge at top tier OH Leuven.
Cash-strapped club Oostende currently sit 17th in the Belgian Pro League, with current owners American PMG reportedly keen to sell according to the reports from Het Laatste Nieuws.
These agreements are designed to be mutually beneficial, with the mayor of Ostend confirming as such when he revealed that discussions were ongoing for a deal to be struck.
“As a city, we are a bit involved after all,” said Bart Tommelein. “It is important that this takeover has a good outcome. And if necessary, I am happy to mediate in those talks." He continued. “Of course, such a takeover is something we are not directly involved in. It is not my intention to take a managerial role. But if the city can help, gladly.
“KV Oostende must not disappear in professional football. If that happens, the ground lease agreement with the city states that that new stand will become our property.
“But we are not much use for that: then the city will have a ground, but no football club. I can only hope that there will soon be a solution that all parties can agree to. This in the interest of the club, but also of our city.”
Newcastle's plans are said to be part of a “thorough and rigorous” process to join City in building a multi-club model and one which could see the Magpies continue their elevation the the level of Europe's elite clubs.
