Sky reporter makes bold BZG claim - & reveals why he now has 'serious' takeover doubts
Sky Sports' Keith Downie has had his say on a potential takeover at Newcastle United, with him revealing why he has several 'serious reservations' about the Bin Zayed Group.
Downie claims that they have STILL not submitted proof of funds - despite them insisting they have - and also questions the fact they've been releasing 'statements' to Dubai-based DJ and Newcastle supporter Peter Redding.
Quite incredibly, the Sky's north-east reporter also suggests that they 'don't have the money to buy the club', with him believing their interest is genuine, but being told that they don't have the funds needed to complete a deal.
Here's a snippet from his latest piece on all things NUFC on Sky Sports:
There are takeover talks still going on in the background and the club remains up for sale. Until Ashley comes out and says otherwise, that will remain the case - as it has been for the best part of two years now.
What I will say, though, is that I have serious reservations about the proposed Bin Zayed group takeover. It's my understanding that, despite their claims, they have still not submitted proof of funds. They say they have submitted all of the paperwork, but that's not what I'm hearing.
I also have to question the way they are going about things, issuing statements by very unusual means, through a Dubai-based DJ, who also happens to be a Newcastle supporter. They are not going through official lines, which is troubling and means the whole thing loses its credibility.
The word I'm getting from a number of sources is that they don't have the money to buy the club. I do think their interest is genuine and there have been talks, but I think the reality is that they don't have the funds to complete the takeover.
'Having said that, I still believe there are other interested parties at work in the background.
As the last line states, it seems there's plenty other parties interested, however the BZG's interest is becoming more and more dubious by the day.
That said, why on earth has Mike Ashley allowed this saga to drag all summer long if they've A) not provided proof of funds and B) don't have the cash available to complete a deal?
People will say it's all been another big PR stunt, but this one won't benefit Ashley in any way. Why? Because we are now heading into a new season as unprepared and dishevelled as I've ever known us be, leaving ourselves at serious risk of relegation.
