Johnson reportedly intervened to rescue Saudi deal to buy Newcastle United British Prime Minister Boris Johnson returns to 10 Downing Street from hosting a coronavirus press conference in the briefing room at 9 Downing Street London, United Kingdom on 5 April 2021. [David Cliff - Anadolu Agency] April 15, 2021 at 3:01 pm With British politicians being scrutinised over their lobbying activities, reports have emerged that Prime Minister Boris Johnson intervened after Saudi Arabia's bid to buy Newcastle United football club ran into difficulties. According to the Daily Mail, Johnson asked one of his top aides to investigate after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman warned that a row over the sale of the Premier League club could damage relations between London and Riyadh,.