According to the Mirror’s Ian Murtagh, Mike Ashley is now wanting a Sports Direct advertising presence at St James’ Park included in any takeover deal – something that’s created a ‘stumbling block’ for all FOUR interested parties.
This comes after confirmation yesterday that the NUFC owner is now off away on a ‘Christmas Holiday’ – all but confirming that nothing is imminent on the takeover front as we speak.
The piece states that Peter Kenyon’s legal team are still working on a potential deal – with THREE other parties also credited with interest – however it seems all four groups aren’t happy to see Sports Direct advertising remain in and around the stadium.
Here’s a snippet from the Mirror’s piece published late last night:
“Ashley is looking for £300million, but is keen to retain an advertising presence at St James’ Park for his Sports Direct brand — an issue which has become a stumbling block.
“The fact he is now going to be abroad for the next two weeks suggests he does not hold out much hope of things being resolved soon.”
It’s not clear whether this has always been a demand of Ashley’s (to retain Sports Direct advertising following a takeover), however it was reported by several local reports a few weeks ago (after his big Sky interview) that it would be a clean break – suggesting he would take Sports Direct with him if and when any sale went through.
Either way, our hopes of a takeover early in the new year appear to be fading fast – with many questioning if Ashley really is interested in selling if he’s packing his bags and leaving the country around a stage that could be crucial to any potential buyout.
Time will tell, but I’m not confident at all – it’s best not to be when Mike Ashley is involved.
It was mentioned a long time ago that Ashley wanted to maintain a SD advertising presence.
There is no reason to suspect that anyone buying the club would give that to him gratis so for that reason the price will be reduced. X million at so many years = discount.
What I find amusing is that there are reportedly 4 buyers.
The Mirror have no idea at all who 3 of them are but they are sure advertising is a stumbling block for these 3 completely unknown prospective bidders? And the known one, Kenyon, who has said nothing.
All sounds a bit suspect to me.
Briiian(Quote)
Tomorrow, rip every Sports Direct sign down, inside and outside. End of.
eddie telfer(Quote)
It’s very simple, don’t go to any matches until MA has gone. He hates negative publicity which this would create a ton off. It’s that easy but it’ll never happen. You are giving your money to a man who will put it into his own pocket and laugh at you while doing so
I think the Geordie fans are great but you can’t go on letting him destroy you like this
Sympathiser(Quote)
This is all CBB. (clikbaitbolix)
The ONLY thing we know for certain is todays date..
Everybody chill out…!
Peter henderson(Quote)
Same old **** ashley is not selling the club, as a long time supporter of nufc I have never seen such a vile manipulative, greedy, money grabbing, liar,at the helm of our great club, this man is sitting on holiday laughing his head off at taking the **** out of us gullible thick geordies as he supps his drink, again and again he does this time he felt the force of the geordie nation once and for all, no more silly protests hit the man properly in the pocket rid the toon of him and his cheap shops time to take a stand a proper one before we become the laughing stock of the nation
Geordie rob(Quote)
Its all been propaganda from the start their is no buyer never was he has no intention of selling why would he’s got a money making machine.
scot(Quote)
If there is more than one interested buyer but none can raise the funds why don’t they combine to produce one group.
BAZZA(Quote)