Takeover talks expected to go into new year

NEWCASTLE United’s talks with Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners could stretch into 2018 - despite reports of a two-week deadline being set for a potential sale.

The Chronicle understands PCP Capital Partners have not imposed such a restriction during the talks and those discussions remain ongoing between the legal teams of both groups.

It has now emerged United owner Mike Ashley will be flexible in terms of a timescale for the club’s sale. The tycoon’s solicitors stated back in October shley ideally wanted a sale by the festive period.

Back then Andrew Henderson said: “Our intentions are to see if the club can be brought forward into new ownership by potentially Christmas.”

However, with the negotiations still ongoing, the club are prepared to wait to see how developments unfold and the talks may drift into the new year.

It is believed, at this stage, Ashley has no plans to take Newcastle off the market.

He will give PCP Capital Partners and other interested parties every chance to do a deal.

PCP Capital Partners are believed to be the frontrunners in the bid to purchase United but three other parties have also signed non-disclosure agreements. Because of this, United have not commented publicly with club staff told it is business as usual for now.