United’s call to potential buyers

NEWCASTLE United sources have indicated that the onus is very much on the clutch of groups who have expressed an interest in buying the club if they want to get a takeover done before the new year.

Owner Mike Ashley - who was absent for United’s game against Wolves at St James’ Park - said last Monday that he was hopeful of a possible sale before the January transfer window.

But any deal would have to be done at a quick pace if that situation is to become a reality.

There remain four parties interested in the club, with the consortium led by Peter Kenyon entering the data room stage last week, and United officials feel that the sale package is relatively straightforward for groups who have the money to meet the £300million asking price.

However, United’s law firm are still waiting for further significant progress from any of the groups in the last few days. The holiday period could also delay any sale if certain boxes aren’t ticked in the next week or so.

Ashley missed the Wolves game because of business commitments and it remains to seen whether he re-emerges for the trip to Huddersfield next weekend after missing the last four matches following a run of seven games in the stands.

The uncertainty leaves Rafa Benitez in limbo somewhat with no transfer bids on the table so far any of the January targets.

And while Benitez has been assured there will be some funding available in the winter window he is concerned that if a question mark remains above St James’ Park in early 2019 it could well hamper his plans.

One option would be to get European loan deals done early with fees for such arrangements relatively low. That was the case last season when Benitez brought in Martin Dubravka, Kenedy and Islam Slimani.

Yet the Slimani deal - cobbled together at the end of the window - showed the quality available at that stage of January.

Slimani arrived on loan but played just four games for the club with the deal costing United over £1million for a fee.