Newcastle United’s takeover saga was rocked with yet another fresh twist this week as links to Henry Mauriss simply won’t go away.
Bloomberg reported that the American businessman is ‘preparing a charm offensive’ in the UK as he pushes ahead with a rival offer of £350m for control of the Magpies.
It’s claimed that Mauriss is in discussions over the hiring of a public relations adviser as he seeks to raise his profile ahead of a potential bid.
Who will be in control of Newcastle for the 2020/21 season?
Staveley & the Saudis
Mike Ashley
Henry Mauriss
Other...
This information was relayed in the Shields Gazette by Miles Starforth, but the reporter hinted that such a development isn’t having any effect on Amanda Staveley’s Saudi consortium.
He wrote:
“Meanwhile, the Gazette understands that Staveley and her backers remain fully committed to their bid.”
This was then reinforced on Twitter with the journalist expanding on his point, claiming that talk of Mauriss is merely a “distraction,” he added:
“However, understand those behind the Saudi Arabia-led bid remain fully committed to their proposed takeover, which has been with the PL since April. Talk of Henry Mauriss is a distraction – for now. It’s time for the PL to make a decision.”
Even if the American wanted to purchase Newcastle, he can’t.
The Premier League are currently mulling over the Saudi’s bid through their owners and directors test, meaning nothing can happen until they come to a decision and if they rule in favour, then the club is sold and that’s that.
It’s been over four months since this process began and as Starforth mentions, talk of another bidder taking control is purely a distraction. Only if the deal falls through can this come to fruition and surely the PL aren’t going to say no to the potential riches of the Middle Eastern state?
With the transfer window open in less than two weeks, it’s time for that decision to come.