After a week of where doubts emerged, some real positive developments have emerged on the takeover front, with it being confirmed that Mike Ashley met with Amanada Staveley for the first time for face to face talks this week – with the pair being pictured together at a London Curry house last night.
The meeting took place in an Indian restaurant in the capital, suggesting that the pair are on good terms and clearly very willing to talk.
It could also be quite telling that media mogul and mutual friend Richard Desmond was pictured ‘punching the air’ in the direction of both Staveley and Ashley as they both left – read into that what you will!
Either way, this is believed to be the pairs FIRST bout of face-to-face talks and the pictures show them leaving with smiles on their face – with it also being reported that hugs were exchanged.
Now, away from their not so secretive Curry in London and back to the potential deal itself.
Here’s an interesting outlook from The Times’ George Caulkin – one of THE most reliable sources when it comes to all things NUFC – who offers some good and not so good news on the proposed takeover:
Whatever the logistical reasons for that possible delay – and it wouldn’t make for a comfortable rest of season – an informal face to face meeting is a positive development. Ashley is now on holiday in the US, but negotiations will continue.
— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) December 7, 2017
With the Premier League needing 30 days to ratify a takeover and a deal yet to be struck (as far as we’re aware anyway), it does make sense that Staveley and co. may not be in place until the end of the January window.
Still though, these pictures can not be seen as anything but positive as far as striking a deal goes.
There’s clearly a willingness on both sides – time to make it happen!
It’s been suggested that the meal was to celebrate the conclusion of a deal being agreed. Hope so
Grafton(Quote)
We live in hope mate!
I imagine that rumour has surfaced due to the ‘thumbs up’ gesture from Richard Desmond mind..
We shall see, but positive signs either way.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)