Prospective Newcastle United investor Peter Kenyon spoke of the significant investment which has already taken place in takeover talks in a letter sent to current owner Mike Ashley over the Christmas period, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim on their website that the former Manchester United and Chelsea chief, who is said to be fronting a consortium of investors keen on sealing a deal for the ownership of the Magpies, personally contacted Ashley to speak of his plans for the new year, insisting he wanted a deal to be completed as soon as possible.
The behind-the-scenes reveal quotes Kenyon as saying: “I would like to personally assure you that I am committed to conclude our deal as soon as possible … we are both perhaps frustrated that we have not progressed as quickly as we would have wished.
“I am delighted you think the investor group led by myself is the best fit. We have both spent many months discussing the parameters of a final deal…and have also invested heavily in time and money on our various legal and financial advisors.”
Opinion
This is a seriously significant moment in the Newcastle takeover saga but one which will be taken with a pinch of salt by most, if not all, the Toon Army – and rightly so. Who has leaked this letter and why? Has it come from Kenyon’s side, showing his desire to try and get this move over the line? Has it come from Ashley in a bid to appease the supporters at St James’ Park and show that a takeover is still on the cards despite a lack of movement? Has Ashley even seen the letter? Any which way, it is very suspicious that it has come out at the beginning of the January transfer market, for it gives the current owner an excuse not to spend on the playing squad and instead leave his wallet firmly shut, regardless of how much manager Rafael Benitez might need new signings. Still, at least the silence which surrounded a potential takeover has been broken – not that Newcastle fans will be feeling too hopeful.