Chronicle journalist Mark Douglas has provided an update on the Bin Zayed Group’s proposed takeover of Newcastle United, based on information conveyed to him this morning.
The Dubai-based group have been linked with a move for the Magpies since earlier in the week, but nothing concrete has been offered in terms of information from the club.
According to Douglas, however, he has been told that the group are at a relatively advanced stage.
Writing in an article for the Chronicle, he said: “For what it’s worth, the latest information from the Bin Zayed Group end (communicated to me this morning) is that they’re in ‘Premier League processes’ which can take between 10-15 days.”
OPINION
This is still nothing concrete, but the signs are increasingly positive for Newcastle. It feels as if more and more whispers are mounting up about a potential deal going through, but as everybody on Tyneside and beyond will tell you that, it matters for little if pen has not been put to paper in the boardroom. Things aren’t even alleviated by suggestions from the BZG that things are at an advanced stage, because, as has been proven multiple times this week, their definition of advanced does not necessarily match up with Newcastle’s. Let’s for a moment assume that things are going as well as Sheikh Khaled believes though. If it is really going to be another 10-15 days before we move onto the next stage, what does that mean for Rafa Benitez and his contract? A fortnight from today it will be mid-June, giving him just two weeks to reach an agreement with the new owners. There are nervy times ahead for United.
