US investors line up £300m bid for Toon

a grouP of american investors are considering buying newcastle united — although there are huge concerns about the club’s Premier league position.

Sportsmail has learned that a group of ‘seriously wealthy’ uS businessmen can meet newcastle owner Mike ashley’s £300million asking price. The group are ready to nip in ahead of a rival consortium, reported as being led by former Manchester united and chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon. But if newcastle, in 19th place, start to look relegation certainties any prospective deal is likely to collapse. ashley began looking for a buyer a year ago and Kenyon is said to be working with rockefeller capital Management in new York while seeking investors. But a source believes the rival group could step in. ‘We are talking seriously wealthy people,’ said the source. ‘They have the funding and see the potential. They see a sleeping giant and feel they cannot only have a real go at providing the success fans crave but also take newcastle to the next level globally.’ any deal could hinge on boss rafa Benitez and his players. The sourced added: ‘any potential buyer is wary of the league position. The fear is that you pay £300m now, back the manager with another £100m in January and still get relegated. ‘all of a sudden you’ve spent £400m for a club that is suddenly only worth £150m. it’s a huge risk. ideally, newcastle go on a run and a sale goes through once the window has closed when they’re close to, or have stayed up.’ newcastle are yet to win after eight league games, though they have already faced Manchester city, chelsea, Spurs and arsenal. They host Brighton on Saturday before a trip to Southampton. Both are seen as winnable matches and two victories would do no harm to the chance of a takeover.