Yanks close in on Toon.
Posted on August 30th, 2009 | 21 Comments |
Or at least that will be the case if the Sheard-fronted American bid is successful.
The Mirror claims the consortium is close to signing a deal, although forgive me for not getting all excited but we’ve heard this sort of stuff before and it has so far come to nothing.
Apparently these Yanks have a background in the American sports industry and have the funds to pay Ashley’s £100m asking price, build and market the club and sign players.
A source close to the bid (yawn) said:
“This bid is both serious and credible. The difference between this and other bids is that the funding is there to buy the club if agreement can be reached on other financial areas such as the club’s £39million overdraft.
“Ideally, the consortium would have liked the business completed before the transfer deadline closed but they are serious about buying the club and won’t rush.
“Talks are under way and Mike Ashley’s original asking price shouldn’t be an issue. But it will take time and because of all the other disappointments the Americans have to play their cards close to their chests.”
This £39m overdraft facility seems to be quite a sticking point for bidders as that’s what Moat was apparently struggling with (according to some press reports anyway). It would be nice if a bidder came in who could simply clear the outstanding debt – reputed to be about £20m – and be done with it, then Barclays could be flipped the bird and taken out of the equation.
The report goes on to say that Moat is still Seymour Pierce’s preferred bidder, although the Americans could pip him at the post through sheer financial muscle.
Apparently the Americans have been impressed by Hughton and would offer him a senior coaching role (which I thought he had anyway) but they would appoint Shearer as manager.
I must confess I’m fairly numb to all this stuff at the moment and take it all with a large pinch of salt. I’m still inclined to bet that Ashley hangs onto the club.
Please let it not be another fairytale.