After it was revealed that Amanda Staveley had registered a ‘new business’ last night, Newcastle fans got themselves a little bit excited, wondering if this was related to her proposed takeover of NUFC – however the Chronicle have revealed today that this had ‘nothing to do with Newcastle United’.
The local paper have since been in touch with Staveley’s people to clear up last night’s talk, and have responded with the folloiwng:
“On Tuesday, Staveley registered a new company – Cantervale Ltd – but sources close to the businesswoman stress this is unrelated to her interest in Newcastle.”
This brings us all down to earth somewhat after we were holding onto the hope that there was some big movement on the buy out last night, however the Chronicle’s update did provide some reasons to be cheerful on the potential sale to Staveley.
Mark Douglas insisted that PCP Capital Partners and Amanda Staveley are still ‘very interested’ in buying the club, with negotiations believed to be ongoing. Here’s what the NUFC editor had to say on the Chronicle’s live blog today to clear up last night’s fanciful rumours:
“So the new company Amanda Staveley has set up is nothing to do with Newcastle United, I can confirm.
“That’s bad news for those who got very excited about this last night. But as of this morning PCP Capital and Staveley remain very interested in buying the club, which – I would say – remains good news and should give us cause for optimism.”
Frustrating I know, but the fact that talks are still taking place really does suggest that they are serious about buying NUFC. We’re desperate for new signings and can’t get rid of Ashley quick enough, but things do seem to be moving in the right direction – even if they appear to be moving at a snails pace.
Here’s further clarity on the situation from the Chronicle’s Chris Waugh, who had this to say on the matter during a Facebook Live chat today:
“The suggestion is she sets up companies from time to time and according to sources it’s not a precursor to NUFC being bought in the short-term. Negotiations are still going, there hasn’t been a hitch in that, Mike Ashley is still on holiday which has delayed things somewhat.”
Quite incredible that Ashley is ‘still’ away on holiday as we and Rafa Benitez all nervously await our fate, but this is no surprise given his background approach to all things at NUFC over the years. I just hope his apparent lack of urgency to seal a sale doesn’t scupper any potential deal.
Good things come to those who wait. Let’s hope so anyway!
