According to Mark Douglas, Bin Zayed Group have told the Chronicle that a takeover is a matter of “when” not ‘if’ in their eyes – insisting it’s “nonsense” to suggest they haven’t got money to buy the club.
This comes after 24 hours of growing scepticism surrounding the deal, but they have hit back with some bullish and confident claims.
Interestingly, after speaking to people on ‘the buying side, the selling side and independent sources’, Douglas also suggests that there’s a feeling Mike Ashley is a far more willing seller this time around – and the potential buyers seem adamant that they’ll get this deal done.
Here’s a snippet from his brilliant piece from the Chronicle:
‘The figures behind would-be Newcastle United owners the Bin Zayed Group are adamant that their bid for the club remains in play and they are serious despite 24 hours of intense scrutiny of their credentials.
‘On a day of claims and counter-claims, United were no closer to a deal for Rafa Benitez or the club to changing ownership. But there has been an element of push back against the scepticism that has grown since last night.
‘Contacted by ChronicleLive they spoke about “when” the deal for United is completed not if. And they also issued a strong denial of claims that they don’t have the money to complete the deal, insisting they have provided proof of funding to relevant parties.’
They sound adamant a deal is in the offing and clearly stand by their statement saying terms have been agreed after talks with Mike Ashley, but it seems the next step will be for them to actually show proof of funds they insist exist.
Mark Douglas confirmed yesterday that the Premier League has *not* received forms from NUFC or Bin Zayed group concerning a prospective takeover, but did admit that “authorities have been informed something is in offing” – suggesting something could be about to happen.
Here’s another snippet from his fascinating piece published last night, suggesting Bin Zayed Group could provide a ‘update’ on Friday:
‘After speaking to sources on the buying side, the selling side and independent sources there are a few indisputable facts: the Premier League is clear no documentation has been submitted yet to complete a deal but this is a real attempt to buy Newcastle from an owner who is, finally it appears, ready to be a more compliant seller of the Magpies.
‘While there is scepticism from some, the Bin Zayed Group are bullish about the bid, standing by their statement of 24 hours ago that “terms have been agreed” and a takeover is on the cards. And ChronicleLive today spoke to a high-profile figure independent from the Bin Zayed Group who said that a well-known broker for football club sales has been involved from the start with this takeover bid.’
‘There has been talk of a Friday update from Bin Zayed and they certainly spoke with confidence when we contacted them.
‘Soon enough, we will know how seriously to take this.’
So, those on the buying side of the deal sound bullish and confident, while reporters and ‘sources’ close to the club seem sceptical.
One things that seems interesting to me is the fact the club have kept quiet, allowed it to play out and done little to pour cold water on Bin Zayed Group’s statement confirming talks with Ashley and ‘agreeing terms’.
Let’s hope there’s real truth in this and a positive conclusion arrives swiftly so we can allow Benitez to get on with what will be another crucial summer for the club.
We’ve been sucker punched that many times by the oaf that I’ll only believe when it happens.
This has happened for the last 2 x transfer windows and season ticket renewal.
Only when I see the oaf and penfold heading south over the Tyne bridge with their bags packed will I believe
Mark(Quote)
It’s all BULLSHIT again, same **** pumped out over and over by ASHLEY’S PUPPETS.
Allan(Quote)
False hear it every year
jamie(Quote)