trooper

Apparently Ryder's been in contact with the club 3 times in the last 24 hours hes been told the same thing "No comment now piss off"

Tbh Ray nobody really knows how far along we are. But we have been in this situation before, then it all comes tumbling down. I'm hoping its true but remember this is Ashley.

We've sort of been here a few times with Ashley so let's see how it pans out.

Why all the secrecy from the Premier League & The Club ? When the supposed buyers are telling everyone its sorted

Nothing officially from the club on this yet ?

The transfer windows been open for 12 days. It opened the same day as Ashley/Charnley negations withRafa

Here's his tweet after that one Point is Bin Zayed Group are making it clear their priority is to acquire the club not decide on a manager. They see no reason to replace Benitez, but also accept he may go before they arrive

He'll want £400 million

Honestly Ray I hate the bastard & what he's done to the club. I'd love to see the back of Ashley. I just dont thi k this is it I'd luv it to be but this is Ashley we're talking about

What was in it for him with his pretend bid for Liverpool ?

The Art of Distraction. The transfer windows open, Rafas contract needs sorting. Pretend theres a buyer for the club all the time the clocks ticking down.

Charnley "Rafa if you just sign this forget about the small print Mike's got a buyer for the club hes loaded" Rafa " Ok you sure about this" Charnley "Yeah just sign it's for 10 years like you wanted" A few days later Charnley " Rafa I dont know how to tell you this the deals fell through. Rafa "But you said" Charnley "Never mind you've got your 10 year contract & btw Mike says theres no money again"

This from N.O. There's no doubt that Sheikh Khaled is part of the Emirati elite, as several people have already stated he's a distant cousin to Mansoor. You can access all the relevant press releases related to the family on their official news portal: http://wam.ae/en It's just that he's considered relatively, for lack of a better word, insignificant in terms of actual wealth and influence in the region. This is underscored by the fact that he's consigned to dogsbody roles such as the head of the 'Board of Directors of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs', basically the kind of dead-end positions that the family would throw to a pitiful hanger-on out of benevolence. I posted yesterday to be wary, it's because the guy hasn't been very successful growing his businesses in the UAE, he owns a middling insurance firm and some property assets. However, he has a flair for publicity as evidenced by this partnership (https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/press-releases/story/GCOX_signs_MOU_with_His_Highness_Sheikh_Khaled_Bin_Zayed_Al_Nahyan_to_expand_global_celebrity_token_footprint_to_the_Middle_East-ZAWYA20180502104648/) with a celebrity Blockchain company (which counts Michael Owen among its advisors ) last year. My biggest doubt relates to him having access to sufficient funds to clinch this deal. I hope I am wrong and this goes through, as even if the guy isn't very rich, he'd definitely be more motivated and interested than Ashley to run the club properly so that it's self-sustaining.

More from that Edward's article Telegraph Sport understands that although a price has been agreed with the Al Nehayan, the United Arab Emirates based businessman is yet to provide proof of funds with sources indicating there is a long way to go before a deal is concluded. Manager Rafa Benítez has also been told it is business as usual as no takeover is imminent. Other interested parties are also adamant claims Newcastle are on the verge being sold to Al Nehayan are completely false. It is also understood that a report stating that papers have been submitted to the Premier League to ratify the takeover are also inaccurate.

Aye what's happening with Rafa ?

It's not about me though Ray mate

What I'm saying is Liverpool asked him to put down a £25million deposit & he never did

This from The Star... The £2bn bid for the Anfield outfit required outside funding of £750m, believed to be from a Chinese investor, to make up the money.

When it came down to putting down a deposit he didnt come up with the money

Just over 14 years ago when I came out of hospital (after my stroke) my son Axl who was 8 at the time said "dont worry dad I'll be able to take you to the match" bless him I wasnt well enough & he obviously couldn't have taken me. A couple of years later & Ashley bought the club I never liked the bastard & vowed not to go back to SJP while Ashley owned the club. But theres now light at the end of the tunnel Axl's now 22 & hopefully we'll get to a match very soon

My self imposed exile from SJP may be over

Imagine this place without the SD signage I cant believe we're finally going to free from that bastard.

In response to numerous reports in the world media this morning, we would like to comment as follows. “We can confirm the representatives of his Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan are in discussions with Mike Ashley and his team about the proposed acquisition of Newcastle United Football Club. “We view it as an honour to have the opportunity to build on the strong support, history and tradition of the club. We have agreed terms and are working hard to complete the transaction at the earliest opportunity. “Best Regards, Midhat Kidwai, Group Managing Director, Bin Zayed Group.