Takeover 'update' arrives - & it's a reassuring read for NUFC fans after 2 days of doubts
Over the last 48 hours, we've seen TWO reports emerge suggesting a Saudi-backed takeover at St James' Park has been cast into doubt.
The Guardian reported on Monday that 'new legal documents' had been sent to the Premier League connecting the Saudi government to pirate TV broadcaster BeoutQ, while The Sun claimed last night that TEN top flight clubs were coming together in a bid to block this £300m deal.
It's not what we wanted to hear when this was widely tipped to be the week we hear an official announcement, however a reassuring update has arrived from The Chronicle today, revealing why the would-be owners are totally 'unfazed' by suggesting a deal could be delayed or placed in doubt.
In Lee Ryder's latest piece, he claims that NO red flags have been raised - despite a recent complaint from beIN Sport - suggesting approval remains on course, with the Premier League's owners' and directors' test now believed to be in the 'final stages'.
They same report also insists that any objections from rival Premier League clubs have arrived too late, stating that 'views of other clubs can't influence the tests, especially at the process started over a month ago'.
A case of 'too little too late' it seems, with the prospective buyers clearly still confident that this £300m takeover will be wrapped up.
The same piece also stats that 'those close' to Mike Ashley insists he is now a 'willing seller', with him unsettled by the prospect of an empty St James' Park for many months to come and possible repayments to TV broadcasters following the suspension of all football.
Perhaps he realised it was time for him to go after COVID-19 arrived, forcing him to lower his asking price in order to secure a quick sale?
It's probably best if those 'in the know' stop with the guesstimates as to when we may get wind of an official breakthrough - with George Caulkin now stressing that it 'will happens when it happens' - however this should help calm down fans fearing the worst after a few potentially unsettling reports emerged over the past 48 hours - just when we were braced for confirmation!
