Football pundit Jeff Stelling believes Newcastle United's sale being blocked by bigger Premier League clubs has gained credence after the Super League developments.

Stelling spoke about the belief that clubs such as Tottenham and Liverpool put pressure on top-flight bosses to reject the attempted buy-out - and following the European Super League proposals said the theory, which was put forward by Amanda Staveley, might not be 'so daft.'

The discussion on the takeover - which is currently set for arbitration - began with Paul Merson, a panellist on the show, joking that the deal had been going on longer than a 'sofa sale that will end on Bank Holiday.'

Stelling responded: "This is the public investment fund of Saudi Arabia, who were effectively blocked – a lot of the fans believe, and I don't know whether this is a Machiavellian plot, but the big six could have played a part in having this blocked because they don't want to see Newcastle as another rival.

“And maybe what happened with the European Super League with those six, it's not so daft. Who knows?"