NUFC ‘is valued at £303.7m’

FINANCIER Amanda Staveley values Newcastle United at £303.7million, according to London newsagency Reuters.

The claim suggests that the firm that Staveley is leading - PCP Capital Partners - would be keen to bid below previously reported valuations of around £380£400million.

The Reuters report read: “PCP, which has not yet put in an offer for Newcastle United, believes the club is worth around 300 million pounds with a further 150 million pounds needed to invest in players over the next two years, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not public.

“The club has said they were willing to listen to offers that would be capable of ‘delivering sustained investment’ towards achieving their ambitions in the top flight.”

Mike Ashley’s lawyer Andrew Henderson has received fresh enquiries from those interested in buying Newcastle United.

However, significantly, no other parties that have joined the four groups that have signed non-disclosure agreement forms that would trigger further discussions.

It is expected that Ashley and his board will meet Amanda Staveley in due course to fathom out the seriousness of the financier and her Middle East group’s interest.

Staveley’s group are believed to hold a genuine interest but they are also mulling over purchases at other Premier League clubs.

Now, though, Henderson’s task will be to draw up a list of those who are genuine contenders to buy the club from Ashley after 10 years at St James’ Park.

Claims from that Turkish billionaire Murat Ulker, of Yildiz Holding, which owns the McVitie’s biscuit brand, was interested have now been dismissed.

A statement from his Yildiz Holding said: “The company is not purchasing Newcastle United Football Club and no discussions about the team have taken place.

“We wish them the best of luck in finding a new owner.”