Alan Shearer could now get Newcastle United stadium wish after PIF plea

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Alan Shearer has one wish when it comes to PIF building a new Newcastle United stadium.

The Newcastle United owners are currently weighing up what to do with St James’ Park, after Yasir Al-Rumayyan was presented with stadium plans.

The PIF chief has been on Tyneside, with Al-Rumayyan watching Newcastle’s win over Nottingham Forest.

He was also in town to discuss the future of St James’ Park, with many people at the club keen to build a new stadium rather than expand the Magpies’ current home.

It is reported that PIF are expected to approve a new stadium, which will mean saying goodbye to St James’ Park.

What Alan Shearer said about Newcastle United building a new stadium in October

That is something that a lot of Newcastle United fans do not want to do, including Alan Shearer.

The Toon legend told The Rest Is Football podcast in October that he wants to stay at St James’ Park. However, he made it clear that a new stadium would be tolerable – but only if it was still in the city centre, like St James’ Park.

“If it does happen, I really hope it’s next door and they keep it in the city centre,” he said.

“There is talk about it moving behind the Leazes End, which I’d be okay with that.

“In an ideal world, if you’re giving me a choice, I would stay at St James’ Park and try and extend. But if that can’t be done, I understand why. But it needs to stay in the city centre.”

Shearer looks set to get his wish, as Newcastle United’s proposal is for a 70,000 capacity stadium that is adjacent to St James’ Park over part of Leazes Park.

• READ MORE: Who is Alan Shearer? Stats, Height, Wife, Daughter, Net Worth

Official St James’ Park decision from PIF is not imminent

While the feeling now is that Newcastle United will leave St James’ Park but continue to play their football in the heart of the city, official confirmation is not on the horizon.

As Newcastle United fans know first hand, PIF are very methodical in their approach. They do not rush decisions, while they were only presented with stadium proposals over the weekend.

PIF will now consider the options they have been shown and decide what the best course of action is.

And even if PIF do decide that a new stadium is the way to go, it will still be a long time before Newcastle United are in their new home. According to the Telegraph, it will likely take around seven years to build St James’ Park’s replacement.