United silent over fresh takeover talk
NEWCASTLE United are yet to clarify their position on fresh takeover talk - despite the fact the club are almost certain to be in the Premier League club next season.
Bookmaker Bet 365 are now offering enormous odds of 500/1 for the Magpies to be relegated after their 2-1 win over Leicester City at the weekend.
Manager Rafa Benitez, however, is still not convinced United are safe yet.
As it stands, Mike Ashley has not taken the club off the market and is believed to remain open to offers, but the club’s silence on the situation continues.
United’s day-to-day administration staff have been told to get on with their jobs with Ashley’s company St James Holdings left in charge of a potential sale.
Recent reports suggested Ashley will look into selling the club again as soon as top-flight safety is confirmed and there had been tentative interest from other parties.
A fresh nespaper story at the weekend reported PCP Capital Partners and Amanda Staveley’s bid for the club is “back on” this weekend.
The report reads: “There have been constructive talks between Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley’s representatives and Staveley over the past few weeks.
“Ashley ended all discussions with the group in January accusing them of a publicity stunt when they failed to come anywhere near his £350 million asking price.
“He believed there were too many clauses inserted in the PCP offer including one which would have seen Ashley miss out on a £100 million instalment if Newcastle were relegated.
“Now with Premier League security looking more and more likely, PCP are ready to increase their offer and move closer to Ashley’s valuation of the club he bought 11 years ago.
“It is understood PCP’s confidence in securing a deal in the region of £300 million has led to them making plans to improve the club’s training ground.
“All this is good news for manager Rafa Benitez who would have to think long and hard about his future in the summer if Ashley was still in charge. “The Spaniard has spoken privately at his frustration of not being backed enough in the transfer market which has led to a season-long battle against relegation.”