Believe it or not, but heavyweight boxer Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather has been linked with a takeover of Newcastle this weekend.
A story printed on page 13 of the Sunday edition of the Daily Star – and reported on by the Chronicle – suggests the boxing champion and self-styled media mogul would be interested in buying the club from Mike Ashley following Amanda Staveley’s failed bid.
Incredibly, the tabloid even suggests that Mayweather would attempt to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to swap Real Madrid for United and finish his career at St James’ Park, although it seems the ‘Money Man’ is more interested in lining his own pockets and enjoying the party scene in Newcastle.
“You better believe if I were to invest in Newcastle I would be back partying there often,” he is quoted as saying in the Daily Star piece.
“I love Newcastle. Those guys like to party as hard as any city I have been to anywhere in the world. I met some of the players last year – and they are good guys. I am always open to new business opportunities and I love all sports, but I invest with my head not my heart.
“Investing with your heart is the quickest way to lose money. But if somebody put together a business plan and my people looking over it and went ‘Floyd that can make money’ then I would invest. Soccer might not be my game but I’ve got connections everywhere.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has been a long-time supporter and buddy of mine, so I might even be able to get him to finish his career off at Newcastle.”
As takeover tales go, Newcastle have a few in the locker that are regularly rolled out on Aprils Fool’s Day – most notably the story regarding WWE chairman Vince McMahon and son Shane buying the club and hosting wrestling bouts during half-time.
This new rumour concerning Mayweather and Ronaldo, however, surely takes the title as the most ludicrous, absurd and downright fanciful takeover story to ever emerge.
