NEW: The Chronicle provide big update on Amanda Staveley & Rafa Benitez following Ashley's announcement
Some promising news to report today, as the Chronicle reveal that Rafa Benitez will NOT walk out of Newcastle United after a breakdown of takeover talks, whilst they also understand that Amanda Staveley STILL plans on taking over at NUFC - with her set to provide proof of funds in a bid to make a deal happen with Mike Ashley.
Tuesday night's news was a crushing blow, and whilst a takeover still looks far off following the latest setback, it is positive to hear that Benitez remains committed and Staveley is still keen to do a deal for NUFC.
Whilst it is promising to hear that Stavelely will now show proof of funds to prove she is serious and able to buy NUFC, it is her offer that must be upped if she is to win over Ashley. He brandished their talks as 'exhausting, frustrating and a complete waste of time' just 48 hours ago, so it's time for her and PCP to step up with an acceptable offer this time. I'm sure I speak for every NUFC fan in saying that we could not bare another few months of tedious talks and eventual disappointment. I'd rather see talks be resurrected than not, but it's often the hope that kills you with NUFC.
As far as Benitez is concerned, I never actually believed he would walk out mid season (especially given our precarious position), however it was a real concern that he would have been totally deflated by Tuesday's news.
Staveley and PCP clearly see him as their man to take NUFC forward, and I imagine that feeling is mutual from the Spaniard's perspective - so it's easy to see why he'd stay put in the hope that a deal can be resurrected.
Here's the full piece from the Chronicle so you can read today's promising update for yourselves:
'Amanda Staveley remains committed to buying Newcastle United from Mike Ashley - and a £250million bid remains on the table despite the Toon owner’s indication that he no longer wants to talk to PCP Capital Partners.
'The Chronicle has learned that despite Ashley’s stance on the deal, Staveley is still keen to make the deal happen and is prepared to show proof of funds.
'Ashley’s close aide Dennis Wise told Sky Sports that the Toon owner would sell the club for “roundabout £250million to £300million” and Staveley is still keen to talk again to the club after going through the process of due diligence.
'The Guardian have today reported that billionaire property developers the Reuben Brothers were interested in initial plans to invest in the club as part of a consortium.
'And while such talk was played down by a PR representative, the Reuben Brothers may be consulted again in the future and there are other investors involved.
'Significantly, it has also emerged that Rafa Benitez will NOT walk out on Newcastle United as manager - despite the breakdown of the club’s takeover talks with Staveley.
'Benitez is the man that Staveley wants to spearhead the club if she takes over and funds will be made available to the Spaniard in the transfer windows ahead.'
It's potentially a match made in heaven and the answer to all of our prayers, but it's Ashley who stands in our way. A considerable obstacle as the last 10 years have proven.
