Newcastle United’s bank holiday weekend has taken quite a twist, as reports claim that Mike Ashley has agreed to a sale of £350m.
The Sun ’s report states that Ashley, who has the club up for sale for a third time, has agreed a deal with Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan - the cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.
A senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, the name may be slightly familiar to some as it was stated in 2018 that he had a failed approach to takeover Liverpool in a deal reported to be worth £2billion.
In August 2018, the Daily Mail reported that Sheikh Khaled was unsuccessful in a takeover bid that would have been a footballing world record - and shows he has the finances to make a difference for the Magpies .
Liverpool even commented on the reports, which would have been a joint venture involving a minority stake Chinese partner, confirming that meetings did take place - although never reached a stage where majority shareholders John W Henry or Michael Gordon met Sheikh Khaled.
Further documents were also revealed that the Sheikh had contacted Swiss hedge fund Alternate Advisors seeking help raising £750m from investors, with an agreement signed in January 2018 that read:
'The client wishes a financial partner for the acquisition of a British football club.
'Client has confirmed to AA that the current shareholder of the club agreed to sell 100% of the share of the club on the basis of a £2bn valuation.'
However, Liverpool denied an agreement was secured and insist negotiations ended in January, adding:
'FSG have been clear and consistent: the club is not for sale.
'But what the ownership has said, again clearly and consistently, is that under the right terms and conditions we would consider taking on a minority investor, if such a partnership was to further our commercial interests in specific market places and in line with the continued development and growth of the club and the team.'
