Newcastle United continue to explore sponsorship deals as CEO Darren Eales and CCO Peter Silverstone get their feet under the table at the St James' Park boardroom.
The Magpies have already agreed to end their partnership with Fun 88 early and further talks are planned with kit manufacturers Castore. It's understood that the value of most of the sponsorship deals that new Saudi-backed owners inherited has been questioned and the fact that recent sleeve sponsors Noon.com secured a deal that was more lucrative at £7.8million a season than the main sponsors sums up the direction United are heading in.
Arabic sponsorship boards featuring Noon also flickered up on the electronic hoardings throughout the third-round tie against Crystal Palace in the League Cup.
READ MORE: Newcastle boss Howe has international aim and drops future hint on recruitment
The appearance of Saudia Airlines staff at St James' Park has also got supporters talking but confirmation from the club is awaited on exactly what it will mean moving forward. Saudi Airlines staff were pictured at the stadium and on the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
United players will fly over to Saudi Arabia for a tour next month during the World Cup break where more networking is expected between training and a clash against Al Hilal in a friendly game.
Non-World Cup participants handed fortnight off by Howe
The Magpies have had a great first half to the season but Eddie Howe knows that his squad are in need of both a rest and a mental break after a whirlwind few months. Tipped for a mid-table finish by many at the start of the season, United have punched above their weight and are in a Champions League position.
But Howe has advised those not going to the World Cup to get their feet up and relax with what he describes as "mini pre-season" ahead of them in Saudi Arabia then back on Tyneside.
Ryan Fraser still part of Newcastle plans
The absence of Ryan Fraser has been nothing more than a calf problem with the winger set to return soon. Fraser was expected to feature against Crystal Palace but was missing from the team sheet.
But Howe says: "He’s an integral part of the squad. I think he contributed hugely last season.
"This season’s been difficult, because of the performances of the players in the squad have really produced that competition for places. I think I always say I’d embrace that challenge, if I was Ryan, because that will get the best out of him. So it’s a real challenge for places, not just for Ryan, but the other wingers as well."
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