According to Dubai newspaper ‘The National’, Peter Kenyon has been ‘unable’ to raise the funds required to lodge a bid as of yet – whilst it’s also been confirmed that Amanda Staveley has NOT renewed any contact with Mike Ashley over a possible deal.
The report also states that any progress regarding a sale is unlikely to arrive in the next few weeks due to the team’s struggling form – suggesting that the risk of relegation may be disrupting things once again, just like it did this time last year.
News that Staveley and Ashley have not been in touch should come as no surprise given how that all ended earlier in the year, however it is a worry to hear that Kenyon is struggling to find financial backers able to raise the necessary funding.
Here’s a snippet from The National’s piece – a trusted newspaper based in Dubai:
“Progress on a sale of Newcastle United in the next few weeks is unlikely while the team is struggling to win football matches, despite reports of renewed interest in a takeover of the English Premier League club.
“Opto Advisers, led by former Chelsea and Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon, is said to be putting together an offer for the club.
“However, a source aware of the matter told The National that Kenyon has so far been unable to raise the required funds to instigate a bid.”
This is frustrating, but inevitable; and exactly the same situation we faced this time last year when Staveley’s interest emerged.
Buying a club that is at serious risk of relegation can only complicate matters – with The National insisting that any potential buyer is likely to ‘hold off’ on their interest until matters on the pitch become clearer:
“Any buyer would have to take on all the future risk – both in terms of possible relegation and the player investment the team badly needs to avoid it.
“This is likely to mean any suitors would hold off on their interest until the on-field situation becomes clearer, the source said.
Finally, The National then said the following about Amanda Staveley and PCP:
“It is also understood that there has been no renewal of contact over a potential deal between Ashley and PCP’s senior principals Staveley and managing partner Mehrdad Ghodoussi.”
Who knows how these things will unfold, but it seems like Mike Ashley’s neglect and our subsequent struggles on the pitch could scupper any quick takeover once again.
We live in hope – both on and off the pitch.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this drags out over the January transfer window and becomes the latest distraction (since the Staveley saga exactly one year ago) to use as a reason not to back Rafa (for the last time)
Let’s just hope if this IS a smokescreen, Kenyon has the decency to come out and say so.
mactoon(Quote)
You might just find he has a book coming out about his time in football.
There are some very credible buyers in the UAE for NUFC, but alas they do not see a credible seller.
BillytheFish(Quote)
If Amanda Stavely has walked away then she needs to make it public once and for all. That will then eliminate her from from any future discussions.
Dutch(Quote)