Fresh reports emerge on Staveley’s takeover stance – plus details Benitez’s likely January budget

A good piece has emerged by Simon Bird in The Mirror today on Amanda Stavely’s potential takeover, revealing that it is unlikely that Staveley will get a deal done in time for the January window, but stating that she ‘remains optimistic’ that a takeover will be completed.

The report also touches on Benitez’s potential budget ahead of the January window, suggesting that up to £20m could be sanction by Ashley if a takeover is not complete, however more like £40m could be the figure Rafa receives if Staveley is in place by then.

Here’s a snippet from the article in The Mirror today:

‘It seems increasingly unlikely that Staveley can get a deal done in time for the January transfer window, with talks over the price stalled.

‘Benitez is not expecting a huge hike in his budget in January if the club changes hands.

‘He might get around £20m in the New Year under Ashley. That would double under new owners looking to protect their investment and keep the club in the top flight.

‘Tensions have arisen because last week’s bid became public, with both sides upset that it leaked.

‘But it is said Staveley remains optimistic it can be done, and that she shouldn’t be underestimated. That remains to be proven.’

Whilst the opening line is not what us NUFC fans want to hear right now, the last line gives us real hope that a deal could yet be concluded.

Regarding the potential budget at Benitez’s disposal, I’m not sure how anyone could know that right now, however £20m would be of some use in an attempt to bring in a new striker – if this figure ends up being anything close to the truth that is.

Details on the deal have been scarce following Ashley’s apparent rejection of her initial bid, but this gives us something to mull over in the mean time, suggesting that whilst a Christmas sale looks unlikely, a deal is certainly not dead.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)