Some interesting comments on a Newcastle United takeover emerged late last night from Henry Winter – The Times’ chief football correspondent and one of the countries most credible writers.
This came via Twitter (see his posts below), where revealed that a US group with British ties, ‘long-term interest’ and ‘funds in place’ are watching the current takeover delay with ‘keen interest’ – however he maintains that the Saudis remain favourites.
It may sound tedious to think this could drag on much longer or take another turn, but Winter’s main and most promising point then followed, with him believing the one big consolation for Newcastle fans in this tedious takeover saga will be that “the club WILL be sold” at the end of all this – suggesting it’ll be this mystery US consortium (who are ‘not Henry Mauriss’ lot’) if its not the Saudis.
This is not to say the Saudi bid is about to be disapproved – with Winter insisting that the Saudi-backed consortium are still in pole position to seal a £300m deal, stating “££ talks loudest with the Premier League” and that both Staveley and the Reubens bring real ‘credibility’ to the table – but he reveals a few intriguing nuggets and gives us reason to be hopeful amidst the exhausting wait for good news:
Winter is just about as reputable as they come, so while he can not guarantee that the Saudi bid will be approved and all this will end positively ASAP, his comments at least help reassure us fans that there’ll be a happy ending to this in some way or another.
Hopefully this Amanda Staveley-led bid is signed, sealed and delivered via the Premier League in the coming days/weeks, however the idea another group who are ‘absolutely serious’ about buying us are ready and waiting sounds like the back-up plan we need should this Saudi saga end in tears.
Why be interested in a bacon sandwich when you’ve been expecting a four course meal?
Going through it all again for another few months with a group (if they do exist) cobbling together a few quid does not appeal in the slightest.
taken4mugs(Quote)
If this takeover was for a London club or Manchester club, would of been completed wks ago, prem league dragging their heels cos its nufc, and any where North of Manchester doesn’t count in their eyes.
John(Quote)
I’d rather know a bacon sandwich is the back up option when the alternative without it is a food I hate which will make me sick..(Mike Ashley!!)
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
If you want a diet without Ashley, can I suggest a gluten free one
Alan(Quote)
There is no American consortium waiting it’s bull$hit.
david render(Quote)
If premier league block this takeover they’ve got massive cahonies because Amanda and partners have paid a £17 million deposit so I can see a big law suit happening, just ask Barclays! She’s nobody’s fool.
Andy(Quote)
Take over will not happen ever so let’s forget about it now
chris(Quote)
17million is a non refundable payment and if she wins the law suit against barcleys she can buy it her self
chris(Quote)
If the Saudis aren’t fit and proper to buy nufc I hope they stop buying anything from Britain. The government won’t be happy and it will all be down to the premier league who will also offer the next round of tv rights to the Saudis. Hypocrisy at its best
Frank(Quote)