CHELSEA ................................................................... 3 300 million reasons why Toon didn’t win
Takeover hopes rise with ‘new bid’ reports
TAKEOVER speculation at Newcastle United has increased following fresh reports from the Middle East of a second bid from Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners.
An article in The Sun also suggests Mike Ashley is holding out for a £400million offer but both parties have remained tight lipped in the aftermath of the latest round of reports.
However, it is believed Ashley is yet to receive a second offer for the Magpies after an initial bid two weeks ago.
The club is being sold by St James’ Holdings and United – bound by a non-disclosure agreement – have been unable to comment.
United fans were hoping to see Staveley and PCP Capital Partners in place after the first bid last month, but the chances of a takeover by Christmas now look extremely thin.
Staveley remains interested in the club and the final price will also see the danger of relegation and the ongoing HMRC investigation factored into United’s valuation.
It is believed Staveley is the frontrunner for the club, but three other parties have signed NDAs.
Rafa Benitez is hoping for backing in the January transfer window, even if Staveley can’t broker a deal. In a recent press conference, he said of the club’s summer business: “We are where we are because we did what we did.”
United fans were hoping Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners would be taking the place of Mike Ashley before Gayle slotted home from close range to hand United the lead.
However, just as the euphoria of the opening goal was starting to settle for the United faithful, the Magpies needed to rely on a great save from Karl Darlow, who rushed out to deny Eden Hazard.
Darlow then denied Alvaro Morata before Andreas Christensen struck the post.
But the game was levelled when Newcastle failed to clear their lines through Florian Lejeune before Hazard followed up and lashed home the loose ball with 21 minutes gone.
The Blues went ahead on 33 minutes Alvaro Morata is challenged by Mikel Merino (L) and Mohamed Diame when Matt Ritchie got himself in trouble on the left-hand side with a poor header before being unable to block Moses’ cross, Alvaro Morata then heading home with ease.
With Chelsea in full control, Newcastle had to make the most of the few breaks they got.
Lejeune earned a corner on the left with a powerful volley but Ritchie’s corner was met with an unconvincing header from Merino.
Chelsea finished the first half strongly but Newcastle managed to make it to half-time just 2-1 down.
The Blues picked up where they left off in the second half and forced another early opening when Moses’ cross was clipped over his own bar by Mbemba.
On 56 minutes, Ciaran Clark had to block Hazard’s shot and the Belgian was soon appealing for a penalty after Mbemba’s challenge in the area.
Perez then responded for Newcastle when his shot whistled wide of the post after a long-range effort.
It proved to be Perez’s last contribution of the game, the Spaniard replaced seconds later by Isaac Hayden.
As the game drifted into the final quarter, Darlow was tested again with efforts from Moses and Hazard.
But just when Newcastle fans wondered if their side could possibly pinch a point, a needless challenge from Ritchie handed Chelsea the chance to seal the game.
Moses got free on the right before Ritchie dived in too hastily and conceded a penalty that capped an unhappy Rafa Benitez approved of the effort afternoon in the capital.
Hazard stepped up and cheekily dinked his spot-kick down the middle to beat Darlow 16 minutes from time.
Darlow kept his focus with Chelsea’s next attack when Hazard burst forward again before the Toon goalkeeper rushed out to make a fine block.
Darlow was then on hand to keep out Alonso, who fired in a shot on the turn.
Chelsea, however, seemed to take their foot off the gas as the game entered the closing stages.
Jonjo Shelvey and Clark had late chances but the game had long gone.
Newcastle players trudged off and now must take something out of home games with Leicester City and Everton in the next 10 days.