Steve Howey is excited by the prospect of Newcastle United potentially becoming the richest club in the world.

The Magpies are set to head into an arbitration case against the Premier League, where the future ownership of the club will be assessed, later this month.

Amanda Staveley, who is spearheading PCP Capital Partners and the Public Investment Fund's bid to take Newcastle out of current owner Mike Ashley's hands, has urged MPs and members of the Toon Army to keep pushing for the £340million takeover to be completed.

The arbitration case comes after the Premier League rejected the takeover being pushed through last year.

Reports suggest Newcastle would become the wealthiest club in the Premier League, knocking Manchester City off the top spot, with assets worth in excess of £320billion if the proposed deal is approved.

Former Magpies and Manchester City defender Howey believes the club's supporters deserve an upturn in fortunes after a prolonged period without success.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: "If these people come in, there was talk that Newcastle would be far and away the richest club in the world.

"We've seen what's happened at Manchester City and where they were when I was there to what they are now. They're now playing in Champions League finals and signing top players. For a place like Newcastle, that would be unbelievable.

"It's a wonderful city with wonderful people and passionate supporters. It would not only be up there with the Kevin Keegan era, but it would surpass it if the finances we are led to believe are available."