MIKE ASHLEY has given US tycoon Henry Mauriss an August 14 deadline to complete his takeover of Newcastle United, according to reports.
The current Magpies owner saw the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund’s agreed acquisition fall through last week.
Mike Ashley is trying to sell Newcastle United this summerCredit: AP:Associated Press
Henry Mauriss wants to take control of Newcastle United
But he could yet still get the club off his hands this summer, with Mauriss having lodged a £350million bid.
According to the Mirror, however, Ashley wants a deal agreed by mid-August in order to give his side clarity going into the 2020-21 Premier League season.
Negotiations are being handled by Ashley associate Chris Ronnie – a former school friend of manager Steve Bruce.
And while Mauriss still has 11 days to get a deal over the line, it is privately believed that it may not even take that long.
Having made his fortune in the credit card and finance industry, Mauriss is currently CEO of Clear TV in the US.
A California native, he purchased, converted and resold over £5bn via portfolio trades with major banks around the world during his time as Chief Executive of Credit America Corporation.
A keen sports fan, Mauriss is a Tottenham Hotspur supporter – although he admires the management style of Liverpool owner John W. Henry.
A source told the Mirror: “He has studied the way his fellow countrymen Werner and Henry have successfully rejuvenated Liverpool and made them one of the world’s dominant forces.
“There is the promise of significant investment not only in the squad but also the club’s academy. It’s a fantastic business plan.
“The investor has seen the way Liverpool’s owners have harnessed themselves with the local community and made it a team effort with everyone pulling in the same direction.
“Newcastle have a huge and loyal support. It’s a club with massive potential.”
Meanwhile, Amanda Staveley has blamed Premier League rivals for the Saudi Arabians’ mooted takeover not going ahead.
I am absolutely heartbroken for the club, the fans and the community, as the investment that was going to go into the club would have been so important. It’s catastrophic for them.
Amanda Staveley
The controversial bid was heavily criticised, with human rights experts having called for the Premier League to block the takeover.
It appeared to be about to fall down regardless, however, due to state-owned broadcaster beoutQ being found guilty of stealing intellectual broadcast rights from Qatari network beinSPORTS.
Although Staveley, 47, said: “The reason the deal failed is because of the Premier League.
Financier Amanda Staveley last week confirmed that Newcastle’s Saudi takeover is offCredit: EPA
“They had a chance, they say we have not answered all the questions and we have done so.
“But the other clubs in the Premier League didn’t want it to happen.
“I am absolutely heartbroken for the club, the fans and the community, as the investment that was going to go into the club would have been so important. It’s catastrophic for them.”
Micky Quinn questions why Newcastle Saudi Arabian bidders were put under such scrutiny compared to other club’s owners
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
