Mike Ashley has signed NDA with Bin Zayed Group - & he's waiting for 'official' bid - Report
According to the Chronicle, Mike Ashley has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Bin Zayed Group - and he's refusing to comment on a proposed takeover until an 'official bid' arrives from them.
While talk of 'no bid' questions just how far along this takeover really is, the fact it's claimed Ashley has now signed a non-disclosure agreement with the BZG could be seen as a positive development - and would explain his silence.
One thing that doesn't seem clear in light of this 'NDA' is just why the Bin Zayed Group have provided such a running commentary over the deal, however, with many questioning whether their TWO statements adhere to such an agreement. It doesn't really add up.
That said, the fact that both Mike Ashley and Newcastle United have done nothing to refute their claims 48 hours later should probably be seen as a promising thing.
Here's a snippet from the Chronicle's latest piece:
'Mike Ashley is believed to be ready to play the long game with Sheikh Khaled amid his bid to buy Newcastle United.
'The Toon owner has issued a "no comment" status since the Bin Zayed Group were propelled into the limelight on Sunday night via a red top tabloid newspaper.
'Significantly nobody at United offered a denial that Sheikh Khaled is in the running nor have the Premier League knocked anything down.
'However, until Ashley sees an official bid - which is yet to land from the Middle East - the silence from both the United owner and the corridors of power at St James' Park could go on.
'Having signed a non-disclosure agreement, Ashley will feel he is simply adhering to the rules when it comes to a takeover deal.
'True, the Bin Zayed Group have now distributed two statements but whether that is a sign that their confidence that a deal will be done in the fullness of time remains to be seen.'
Regarding the fact the Bin Zayed Group have been speaking out (making some think they've not adhered to the NDA), it's worth mentioning that these NDA's have to end at some point.
If a deal has been agreed and BZG have exclusivity, then there's no need for an NDA any longer. If that was the case then you'd hope Ashley would speak out, but we all know about his inability to communicate clearly with Rafa Benitez and us Newcastle fans.
Maybe he feels there's nothing to say if it's true that no 'official bid' has been placed. Who knows!
Here's hoping for good news soon - especially now the clock is well and truly ticking when it comes to Rafa Benitez's contract (expiring in 30 days).
