Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves says he’s “optimistic” about a takeover at Newcastle United – believing Sheikh Khaled’s move to buy the club is “far more developed and likely” than previous ‘bids’.
He admits he’s been proved wrong and let down in the past – no doubt citing recent takeover attempts from Amanda Staveley and Peter Kenyon – however he seems to think something may be different this time.
Here’s what he had to say when asked for the latest on a potential deal, revealing why he’s ‘cautious, but optimistic’ about the Bin Zayed Group’s interest:
There’s so many claims and counter claims when it comes to Sheikh Khaled and the Bin Zayed Group, so it’s hard to know if their approach to buy the club is genuine and as imminent as they suggest it is (see their bullish claims here), or actually dubious and ‘far from done’ – something many local reporters have said after speaking to their ‘sources’.
New ownership would not only be crucial in taking the club forward in the long-term, releasing us from the chains Mike Ashley has latched onto Newcastle United, but would also give us hope over Rafa Benitez’s future – something that has been totally forgotten about in recent days despite being one of, if not THE priority on most fan’s minds heading into the summer.
Time will tell, but let’s hope we hear news of more progress on a potential deal today.
He may have forgotten about Rafa’s deal in all this, but I can assure him, nobody up here has. Sounding more like a typical Ashley stunt every day, but I’m happy to be proven wrong . Rephrase that – desperate to be proven wrong.
Bobbybee(Quote)
Why would Rafa sign a new contract with someone who, hopefully, won’t be there much longer. Surely he will want to sit down with the new owners and discuss “the project”. I think no news of him signing and no comments coming from his side are positive.
Return of the Geordi(Quote)
Part of me gets more suspicious this is another publicity stunt like every other time the only thing keeping hope alive for me is how quiet things are from the club. Not a word about Rafa which of hes off would be very quick and mo denials about a takeover which with how crazy the speculation is would have surely been done by now!!!!
Bob(Quote)
Not selling just another con
Larry toon hants(Quote)
Conspiracy theory – fatso’s attempt at constructive dismissal of Rafa !! 👿
Colin Lynn(Quote)
Constructive dismisal? He is out of contract in 5 weeks…..Ashley doesnt need to dismiss him.
If Rafa was leaving he would have left already he isnt a shrinking violet. He would be straight infront of a camera if he had any major issues. I think Rafa knows whats going on and he will have agreed a deal in principle with Ashley regardless of a takeover. Muke doesnt have to bankroll the new signings…we have around 50m to come in from outgoing players plus whatever transfer budget is in the contract so Rafa will probs be pushing on with his list of targets irrespective of the takeover. Its probs gonna be January by the time any serious money gets spent should the takeover happen
Cam(Quote)