Takeover talk raises so many questions
Q: How far do we have to get before United make any kind of statement? Offer accepted? After Premier League checks? Or will there be no statement at all?
A: What we are told is the first fans will know about it will be a prepared statement aaying there has been a handover. That will only come after everything is agreed. However, we are not at that stage yet.
Q: Is a deal for Miguel Almiron as close as is being said? Is it right that it is a loan?
A: He is a firm target but there is no deal done just yet. Steve Nickson is in the US at the moment working on the deal.
A loan? Well it might suit Newcastle but if other teams come in with cash offers, like Spurs or West Ham, any penny-pinching will backfire on United.
Q: The questioner believes Mike Ashley’s Sky News interview was designed to fool fans and Peter Kenyon’s interest is a PR stunt. What is your take on that and the Kenyon talk?
A: I have not seen anything on the record to support the idea it is a PR stunt. What I do know is Kenyon was getting together a consortium and when his name was first linked he was not ready.
It appears he is closer now but Kenyon is not leading the way as he has competition from other groups.
Q: Next question is on the January transfer window. Will the takeover talk affect Benitez’s transfer plans?
A: It could potentially slow things down for Benitez. He has his shortlist ready but Newcastle do deals one at a time at the best of times, therefore Ashley’s presence could well scupper some plans.
The only way he might stand up and take notice is if Newcastle become embroiled in a serious relegation battle and are cut adrift in January. Ashley might change his tune if he realises the club’s valuation is going to plummet.
Q: What is the next step with the takeover? What happens now for Kenyon given he is in due diligence?
A: Like any other groups they need to survey the accounts. He may have proof of funds but if Newcastle do not like the deal he puts together they could easily pull the plug.
Further clarity on Ashley’s interest-free loans and what will happen if there are any further issues with the HMRC will arise at this stage.
Who picks up the tab for any financial sanctions, for example?
Some of this cannot be answered due to the sensitive nature of a nondisclosure agreement.
Q: What happens if the deal is not done by January? Will Benitez be backed by Ashley?
A: I think there will be funds available but if it is a nominal amount I think Benitez will go down the European loan route.
That will cost money in terms of fees but as ever the bargain-bucket nature of the club in recent times suggest they will accept that if it means securing top-flight status.
Q: What do you think Benitez makes of it?
A: Rafa Benitez has not been told anything. The first he knew was when he watched a re-run of Ashley’s interview.
He is operating as if a takeover will not happen.
What people also are not considering is there is no guarantee Benitez would stay if a new board came in.
Amanda Staveley is not believed to be involved - and while she wanted the Spaniard to spearhead the club a new owner might have a different man in mind.