Omani interest in Newcastle played down by City sources

[Jimbo 133]

While speculation on Tyneside yesterday continued to focus on a possible Newcastle United takeover by an unknown group from Oman, City of London insiders close to the sale of the club indicated that this may not be the case.

 

 

There is believed to be an interested party but it was stressed that a deal is still some way off and that the nationality of the leading players in any buyout will remain a secret for as long as is possible in such a high-profile transaction.

 

The Newcastle owner, Mike Ashley, put the club back on the market a week after relegation from the Premier League at an asking price of £100m. The Sultan of Oman was immediately linked with them due to his wealth but doubt has been cast upon his involvement.

 

It has been suggested that the business environment today is more favourable than when the club was put on the market for the first time by Ashley last September. Then the asking price started at £300m and dropped swiftly to £180m. But although there was interest, there were no takers. Now, however, there is confidence that a buyer can be found over the summer.

 

Alan Shearer, meanwhile, awaits a response from the banks to Ashley's request for the continuation of a £40m working capital facility. That would enable Ashley to appoint Shearer on a permanent basis, if he wants to.

 

Shearer could be given a long-term contract with the necessary clauses in the event of a takeover. That would give Newcastle some stability and Shearer could start working on lifting the club back into the Premier League following their relegation. He could also focus on trying to retain some of the players he sees as being key to the club's future.

[Matt 0]

I'm bemused by how this is all being run past Barclays. Mighty brave if they're prepared to extend credit- there's definitely more to this than meets the eye.

[Kitman 2188]

Depressing. We can't afford to hang around.

[Dogmatix 0]

Now if it was the Sultan of Brunei --- I would be a very happy bunny

[ewerk 26738]

I don't care if it's the Sultans of Swing as long as they're prepared to invest their money.

[Kitman 2188]

Now if it was the Sultan of Brunei --- I would be a very happy bunny

 

Until he put together a 5 year plan and appointed his ace casino manager to run the club in his absence

[Rob W 0]

I don't care if it's the Sultans of Swing as long as they're prepared to invest their money.

 

 

 

Be careful what you ask for.........

 

Sultan Qaboos of Oman is well known to be as straight as a nine-bob note.................. he runs a great country but he's ................ now a confirmed bachelor

[Kid Dynamite 6057]

His local team play in red and white as well apparently