The Bin Zayed Group have yet to agree any kind of exclusivity in their bid to takeover Newcastle United, according to The Times journalist George Caulkin.
The Dubai-based consortium have been heavily linked with a move for the Magpies in recent weeks, but as yet have not been able to ensure that they are the only party in contention.
That means that other groups are still able to negotiate with Mike Ashley over potential bids.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, Caulkin sought to clarify the situation.
He said: “No, exclusivity hasn’t been reached.”
No, exclusivity hasn’t been reached.
— George Caulkin (@GeorgeCaulkin) June 14, 2019
OPINION
Truth be told, this is not good news. The Bin Zayed Group have seemingly affirmed more than once that they have an agreement in place with Mike Ashley, but if that were the case you would assume that the Toon owner would not still be open to listening to prospective offers. At the moment, it feels like Sheikh Khaled and his people are trying to pull the wool over supporters’ eyes a little by suggesting that things are more advanced than they are. If that is the case, you have to wonder about his credentials as an owner, even if he does manage to seal a deal for the club. At this stage, that is still some way off, and Caulkin’s update arguably puts things several steps further back than we might have been led to believe. Once more, the wait for information lingers on for an increasingly frustrated fanbase.