PCP formal offer for Magpies expected soon
NEWCASTLE United owner Mike Ashley is yet to have face-to-face talks with Amanda Staveley and PCP Partners.
However, a formal offer for the club is still expected soon from the group headed by the 44-year-old financier from Ripon.
PCP Partners have also been in contact with Newcastle through legal representatives and talks are ongoing, with both sides now knowing they are working towards a Christmas sale. But while there are four other parties who have signed non-disclosure agreement forms, it is believed Staveley’s group are closest to making a formal offer for the Magpies. That is the next stage of the deal – and a bid is eagerly anticipated by Newcastle fans who are desperate for a fresh start for the club after years of disappointment. As reported at the end of last week by the Chronicle, PCP Partners have a valuation of £300million for the Magpies and any formal bid will need to be carefully considered by Ashley and the United board.
The Toon owner’s legal man, Andrew Henderson, made it public that Ashley would consider staged payments for the club and any up-front offer could be tempting for the Sports Direct magnate.
Staveley is not expected to be in attendance at Burnley tonight for Newcastle’s next fixture.
And Rafa Benitez played down takeover talk in the build-up to the game.
He said: “No, nothing (to say). I said before that we are not talking too much about that and I think some players have said the same.
“We are not talking about that, we are just concentrating on trying to prepare for the games.”