Sobering takeover claims arrive as Alan Shearer explains why '£300m deal' could yet collapse
Alan Shearer has spoken out about a potential Saudi-backed takeover for the first time today, giving a few reasons as to why he's refusing to "get too excited” about the proposed £300m deal.
Our former number nine thinks we should err on the side of caution until a club statement is announced as we have been here many times before - most recently with the Bin Zayed group last summer.
Shearer also knows what Ashley is like having worked with him before, famously meeting each other to discuss the following season’s plans after relegation in 08/09, only to never hear from him again.
With that in mind, he's wary due to the fact we haven't heard from Ashley or official word from the buying side, also fearing the Sports Direct owner could 'move the goalposts' late on.
Here's what he's had to say during his latest piece for the Sun:
“Like so many Newcastle fans, I refuse to get excited until the sale of the club actually goes through,”
“I’m reluctant to get my hopes up — we’ve been here before, so what is the point?
“There are still questions to be answered.
We are yet to hear about the finance of the deal and still haven’t heard anything from Mike Ashley or the prospective buyers.
"With Ashley, once it gets close he may well try to move the goalposts.
"So until the deal is done, I remain cautious."
Most media outlets confirm the takeover to be a done deal, but what Shearer says simply highlights the small bit of doubt that every Toon fan will have about this deal being finalised.
There are no concerns from the buyers side, the apprehension comes because of Ashley.
He has been an unpredictable, as well as a silent tyrant since owning NUFC, with communication between himself and the fans being poor and decisions seemingly being made at the drop of a hat.
I am still confident about this deal being done, but not as nailed on as some others - about 75%, best to give it another week and then see where we stand.
