Exciting takeover set to give Falcons wings

NEWCASTLE Falcons are poised for a transformational change, with the flailing club set to be reborn under the Red Bull empire.

- By NICK LOUGHLIN

After recent seasons of desperate struggle and a need for investment, the energy drink giants are expected to finalise a deal to take control at Kingston Park - with the team being rebranded as Newcastle Red Bulls.

RFU officials have yet to give the deal approval, but players and staff have been informed that Red Bull has agreed a deal with current owner Semore Kurdi, who has invested around £25m since 2011.

The international company will take over the club's debt, which includes a £14.5m Covid loan, and is fully committed to investing in facilities and infrastructure. Red Bull could transform Newcastle from the Premiership's most troubled outfit, on and off the pitch, into one of its most exciting and intriguing projects.

They are said to be attracted by the untapped potential in the North East, with Newcastle the only professional club north of Doncaster who operate in the Championship.