An investment group from Singapore claims to have lodged a £280m bid to buy Newcastle United, with the help of former Magpies strikers Alan Shearer and Michael Chopra.
Current owner Mike Ashley had hoped to sell the club to a Saudi-backed consortium for in excess of £300m, but following a lengthy investigation by the Premier League the Public Investment Fund (PIF) decided to pull out of talks in July.
90min understands Ashley remains interested in selling and has made it clear to potential buyers that he will talk to anyone who can offer him £300m, but that hasn't stopped Singapore's Bellagraph Nova Group from claiming they are pushing for a £280m agreement.
“Bellagraph Nova Group’s founders are at an advanced stage of negotiation having already provided a LOI (Letter of Intent) as well as a proof of funds on August 10," a statement read (via The Telegraph).
“In addition to the engagement to the Newcastle Football Club and community, Bellagraph Nova Group enlisted help of England captain Alan Shearer and former player Michael Chopra."
Should the takeover go through, BNG intend to act on their desire to lure Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo over to St James' Park, because of course they do.
The statement continues: “BN Group’s founders have declared their willingness to massively contribute to the development of the club through their solid and international structure and a combined business/sport devoting mindset.”
Well, here's where the weirdness starts. Sources close to Shearer are reportedly adamant that the club's all-time top scorer is not involved with any deal, although links to Chopra have been confirmed.
There's also not much information available on BNG, who were formed only two months ago following an alleged merger between two other companies, but the group claim to have earned £9.2bn in revenue last year alone.
With Ashley adamant that he will not lower his demands, BNG's alleged offer is likely to be rejected anyway, with the Sports Direct owner determined to earn the £300m he was set to receive from the Saudi takeover.
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Source : 90min