OPINION
Newcastle United have more than just a passing interest in the outcome of the Championship play-off final on Saturday.
The board of directors have a vested and financially lucrative interest in the biggest moneyspinner on the English football calendar.
The Chronicle report that United chiefs will be sweating during the Wembley showdown between Fulham and Aston Villa at Wembley.
It is said that victory for the Cottagers will pave the way for Aleksandar Mitrovic to convert his temporary move to the Londoners into a permanent deal worth £15million.
The Serbian striker will also be praying for a victory for his side as he is in line to bank a new contract worth around £50,000 per week.
High stakes, indeed, for all involved, with the winner to join the Premier League gravy train that would catapult them from financial trouble to riches.
Newcastle clearly have no place for Mitrovic, who was behind Dwight Gayle and Joselu in the striker pecking order before his January loan move to the capital.
Rafael Benitez believes the Serbia international lacks the discipline and refinement to be the first-choice spearhead for his team.
But, as all Newcastle fans know, Mitrovic is a highly capable centre-forward who, when in the mood, is a genuine matchwinner.
His record at Fulham is outstanding, with 17 Championship matches yielding 12 goals, many of them crucial ones.
Some Toon fans will be concerned that the departure of such a polished finisher could be triggered by the events if Saturday.
The board, however, see it differently, and are keen for the cash from the sale that would provide the funds for Benitez to sign a centre-forward more to his taste.
