Newcastle hold talks with fans about renaming St James’ Park despite anger at Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct Arena

NEWCASTLE are reportedly to be in talks with fans about a possible renaming of St James’ Park.

Despite being the world’s wealthiest football owners, the Toon’s controversial Saudi bosses are keen to explore additional revenue streams in a bid to fight financial fair play rules.

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The magpies could make extra money by selling naming rights to their historic home – but want to avoid a possible backlash.

According to The Times, Toon officials will meet with supporters to gauge sentiment over such a change.

Newcastle have played at St James’ Park since 1892, although their name changed before then.

Hated former owner Mike Ashley plastered the famous old floor during his days with Sports Direct branding.

And in 2011, he even renamed it the Sports Direct Arena — going so far as to get rid of the St James’ Park signage off-site.

However, the name was changed again a year later when Toon sponsor Wonga bought the stadium’s naming rights and changed it back to its original name.

Newcastle bosses are keen to distance themselves from such a move and would structure stadium sponsorship differently.

They want to keep St James’ Park in the name while adding a sponsor’s name after the phrase “powered by”.

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The Toon’s owners have spent £215million on players in two transfer windows since arriving last year.

They want the power to loosen the wallets even further, with more lucrative trades being a useful avenue.

Manchester City and Arsenal sold their naming rights to Etihad Airways and Fly Emirates respectively.

While Tottenham are in talks to sell naming rights to their £1bn site to Google for £25m a season.

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