Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is focused on buying Manchester United, reports Mirror Sport, despite Newcastle having been linked as a possible takeover option.
The Guardian reported in late January that the Saudi Arabian Investment Fund were in talks with Newcastle about a potential £340million deal, with Mohammed bin Salman keen to dip a toe into football club ownership.
Sources close to that deal had claimed that a proposal, that would see Mike Ashley finally relinquish control of the Magpies, was in advanced negotiations, and that it was ’90 per cent certain’ to be completed.
However, Mirror Sport now reports that the Crown Prince is more focused on Manchester United, having indicated that he was prepared to buy out the Glazers for £3.5billion in order to acquire the Old Trafford club just 18 months ago.
Mirror Sport also add that while the Crown Prince is said to still be interested in the Tyneside club, Mike Ashley has yet to receive a firm offer, or a desired bond of £250,000 that would allow an interest party to conduct due diligence.
Therefore, Ashley is said to doubt the actual interest of the Saudi Arabian Investment Fund, however Mirror Sport reaffirm that Bin Salman is still considering investment in Newcastle, although he would prefer it to be with Manchester United if he could tempt the Glazers into selling.
Read Newcastle Verdict
While the promise of having new owners, and becoming a much, much richer club is an attractive one for supporters, perhaps Mohammed bin Salman isn’t the man that the club should be getting into bed with.
Despite having done many great and progressive things during his time as Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman has also faced plenty of criticisms and accusations that could make someone question whether he is the right man to work with.
There are accusations and nothing more, but they do make you question whether Bin Salman is the right man to be doing business with. Personally I would prefer an alternative investor, but when looking at the potential influx of money he would bring to Tyneside, and considering the general disdain for Mike Ashley, I would imagine that many Newcastle fans would still take the investment.
