£1.2bn decision could be made within days as Saudi chiefs plan trip to watch Newcastle United

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Newcastle United’s Saudi Arabian owners have some important business to discuss at St James’ Park next week.

Eddie Howe will be desperate for his Newcastle United side to bounce back next weekend from the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City suffered on Saturday.

It was an uncharacteristic performance from the Magpies, who were second-best in every department at the Etihad Stadium.

The worrying performance came after the heights of reaching the Carabao Cup final, and also at the start of a very important run of fixtures.

Next up for Newcastle is a visit from high-flying Nottingham Forest, who are a direct rival for Champions League qualification after climbing to third in the Premier League table.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	25	14	5	6	41	29	12	47
4	Man CityManchester City	25	13	5	7	52	35	17	44
5	B’mouthBournemouth	25	12	7	6	44	29	15	43
6	ChelseaChelsea	25	12	7	6	47	34	13	43
7	NewcastleNewcastle	25	12	5	8	42	33	9	41
8	FulhamFulham	25	10	9	6	38	33	5	39
9	Aston VillaAston Villa	25	10	8	7	35	38	-3	38
10	BrightonBrighton	25	9	10	6	38	38	0	37

PIF chiefs set to discuss £1.2bn stadium plans

On Thursday, it was reported that PIF could attend Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest to hold talks over the stadium decision.

According to the Daily Mail, a decision on the stadium plans could be made before the end of the month. The final call could be made at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

An official announcement is not expected imminently, but Newcastle chiefs could start work on a new stadium sooner rather than later.

PIF are leaning towards a new stadium, which will reportedly cost upwards of £1.2bn but increase capacity to around 70,000.

A new venue could be built on Leazes Park next to the existing St James’ Park. However, chiefs could decide to stay put and expand the 52,000 capacity ground.

When will work begin on Newcastle United’s stadium?

If a decision is made this month as suggested, it will not be long until fans are informed and work officially begins.

Newcastle are expected to announce the stadium decision in March, and it seems the club are still on track to meet that target.

READ MORE: New image shows subtle change made by Newcastle United chiefs inside St James’ Park

Reports suggest stadium work could begin in 2025. If PIF decide on a new stadium, it will likely take several years before it is opened to fans.

Newcastle have ruled out groundsharing with Sunderland if the Magpies have to temporarily relocate, although football could remain at St James’ Park depending on what PIF decide to do.