Newcastle United’s prospective owners, the Saudi consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley, are undeterred by reports suggesting there is another buyer waiting in the wings, according to Duncan Castles.
It’s been claimed that American businessman Henry Mauriss is prepared to bid £350m should the current deal fall through.
Will the Saudis be in charge before the 20/21 season?
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The Premier League are yet to decide the outcome of their owners and directors test, and despite the news, the Saudi buyers remain confident in their chances.
Speaking on Tuesday’s Transfer Window podcast, Castles revealed information from the Magpies’ would-be owners, he said:
“There has been a lot of talks that American businessman Henry Mauriss is prepared to take over from the Saudis if their Newcastle takeover is rejected.
“Certainly, on the part of the buying group, there is no concern over Mauriss as a real candidate to replace them. The idea that he is going to put more money down on the table; they say it’s ridiculous and their information is that there has been no proof of funds from Mauriss’ side.
“To sum up what they think of Mauriss when I questioned them, they are supremely unconcerned, and in their view, there will not be a better offer to Ashley if their deal is not approved.”
These are obviously encouraging noises from the buying camp, especially as not much has been heard from them throughout this process.
The source from the Saudi consortium goes as far as calling Mauriss’ bid as “ridiculous” and that there’s been no proof of the interest being genuine.
It means they remain the front-runners to clinch the northeast outfit, just as long as the Premier League rule in favour, whenever that’s going to be.
And after the kingdom’s announcement over the crackdown of piracy services in the Middle Eastern country, surely this can’t rumble on for much longer – it’s fast-approaching a 13th week of deliberations.