How realistic is United takeover - and is £400m the right price?
than the sort of profile that Chinese around we’ve had several phone investors have typically looked at,” he calls who have asked us ‘Is this real?’” says. Jarvis says. “We’re not working on
One of the reasons is Newcastle’s behalf of Mike Ashley but those peogeography. Jarvis reckons travel time ple have probably got the financials and flights make the North East a to make a business case for this kind more difficult sell to investors from of deal. The question is whether Mike China but that doesn’t mean it’s Ashley is trying to create a kind of impossible. auction and whether that will appeal
United’s passionate fan base, the to Chinese investors. presence of Rafa Benitez and their “They won’t want an auction recent history all make it appealing where the price could go even highander.”aswerevealtoday,hehasbeen contacted by TWO groups this week In the meantime, United’s summer asking what the state of play with will continue as it was before, with Newcastle is. Rafa Benitez still hopeful of bringing
“Since the rumours have been in significant reinforcements for the Premier League.
Benitez has been assured on funds and met Lee Charnley this week to ascertain why there was a delay in landing targets. The market’s proving strange but Newcastle will get there.
Off-the-field, though, something has changed. Ashley’s willingness to sell might not bear fruit this summer but it is a sea change in his attitude to the club’s ownership. Previously, takeover talk was buried quickly. This time it may well have been invited by the man himself – or those asking about it on his behalf.
The end game could well be beginning.