AS Roma President James Pallotta has dismissed talk that he is set to buy Newcastle United from Sports Direct proprietor Mike Ashley, according to La Roma 24.
There had been speculation in Italy recently that claimed Pallotta was preparing to sell his shares in Roma, with a consortium led by US billionaire Dan Friedkin interested in taking control of the Europa League outfit.
A deal for Friedkin to purchase the Giallorossi from Pallotta is said to have been in the pipelines for some time, though is not yet close to being finalised.
Despite that, Pallotta was thought to have begun sounding out takeovers at Newcastle and Leeds United – likely to see if the asking prices were suitable amid links between Qatar Sports Investments and the Elland Road out – as he prepared for the next chapter in football ownership.
But Pallotta has insisted that he is not interested in buying the Magpies from Ashley, having spoken with La Roma 24 on the matter.
“I am interested in Newcastle? This is the usual fake news,” he stated.
“They can continue writing if they want, but I have nothing to do with Newcastle.”
Will 2020 see Ashley sell his shares in Newcastle?
Yes
No
Sources within United have also indicated a denial of the rumours linking Pallotta with buying Ashley’s shares to the Chronicle, though added that the club is still up for sale.
Ashley is believed to be chasing between £300m and £350million to sell United, which would mean any interested person or consortium would be responsible for a colossal deal to take charge of the Magpies.
In other Newcastle United news, the club are not giving up hope of signing a 16-goal forward this month.