Justin Allen was the Sun reporter who broke the news of Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed al-Nahyan and his Bin Zayed Group having agreed terms of £350M to buy Newcastel from current owner Mike Ashley back on May 26th – 19 days ago.
Everything Allen reported in that piece has been backed up by the Bin Zayed Group by their two statements so in that sense, he has some credibility – at least in being able to talk to Sheikh Khaled and his people.
And in response to a query by a Newcastle fan asking for an update on the takeover, Allan has tweeted the following:
I’ve been told it’s progressing well. Still with the Premier League … It is a lengthy process so can understand the frustration. Even completing the purchase of a flat can take time but imagine a £350m+ deal. #NUFC
— Justin Allen (@justinallen1976) June 14, 2019
As we’ve said before at this point there are two parallel universes existing – one that denies the takeover will happen and that comes from some leaks from the Newcastle hierarchy reported by the Chronicle.
And on the Bin Zayed Group side of things they seem confident the takeover will happen with things waiting at the moment on the Premier league doing their work.
We hope the latter is the real news.
Comments welcome.
291 comments so far
bettyswallocks
Jun 14, 2019 at 11:50 PM
Comment #281Ok Rob thanks I seem to remember him saying the banker was getting the funds ready to move.
NY Mag
Jun 14, 2019 at 11:52 PM
Comment #282Rob,
I said it based on the fact that Ashley (who had no knowledge of footy, and many would argue still doesn’t) put his main lawyer for negotiating his purchase of the club (Chris mort) in charge initially….I simply thought BZG may go down the same route.
Essex Geordie Bill
Jun 14, 2019 at 11:54 PM
Comment #283This is all so fascinating I get a real buzz fro………….querty……………….
NY Mag
Jun 14, 2019 at 11:55 PM
Comment #284Sorry bill,
Let’s change the subject eh…..?
NY Mag
Jun 14, 2019 at 11:57 PM
Comment #285How are you stocked for kippers?
RobLeenio
Jun 15, 2019 at 12:00 AM
Comment #286WLToon, I’m not ‘in the loop’, but Micky and I are in touch off the blog, as is Bambams. Micky has been sharing snippets with us for a few months now, some of which have come to fruition, others of which haven’t. I’ve never broken his confidence but have backed him up on here when things have happened that he said might come to pass. Micky has sources which I think are well connected, though I don’t believe he himself is connected to the deal.
All I do personally is try to remember what people have said and give my take on it either at the time or in hindsight. Aggregating the info others are providing, if you like.
WLtoon
Jun 15, 2019 at 12:03 AM
Comment #287I must off missed something. You guys are talking as though the deal is almost done . I was under the impression that the takeover was going to collapse. maybe i should get out more 🙂
Tsunki
Jun 15, 2019 at 12:04 AM
Comment #288Hmm. Interesting and wordy rationale on the probable legal wheel chocks a relatively small legal tussle between the nufc incumbent and his sparring partner in Scotland might halt the sale of said nufc.
But it’s rubbish of course. I can forgive jib because he’s an inept sun-scorched solvent guzzler but that stuff from Rob about the quid pro quo’s and caveats of legal tussles halting a sale would only scan if we were talking about a buyer prone to litigation with other clubs. Ashley as a private individual or representative of SD would barely register as a minor interest. It all sounds good but it’s tosh isn’t it? It’s the buyer under scrutiny isn’t it? The worse a seller is behaved, surely the more reason the footballing authorities would be glad to see him sell?
Rob, try another argument. Jib, try alka-seltzer.
RobLeenio
Jun 15, 2019 at 12:07 AM
Comment #289Sorry, Bill.
Longstaff is a keen cricketer, not surprised to hear he was hanging around Jesmond, he’s been playing for Tynemouth for years as does Matty. He got away with it when he was in the Academy, not sure he would this season, especially given his injury.
Some say both could have been pro cricketers if they hadn’t been pro footballers. It’s a shame that you have to make a choice so young these days, obviously most kids will go for footy as there’s more fame and money attached.
RobLeenio
Jun 15, 2019 at 12:12 AM
Comment #290Howay, tsunki man, not looking for a fight here. Is it not possible that the legality of a contract between SD and Rangers would impact on any similar contracts in place between SD and NUFC? If so, that could impact on the commercial viability of NUFC going forward and could make the club more / less attractive as an investment opportunity (for the buyer) / cash cow (for the seller)?
The Rangers judgement was due on the 6th June. It’s a couple of weeks overdue, which could also explain any perceived delay in the deal being completed.
Not saying this is definitely the case, just saying it’s a possibility.
JohnJ
Jun 15, 2019 at 12:37 AM
Comment #291RobLeenio
Comment #286
I’ve also been in touch with Micky off the blog,
Micky has been sharing snippets with me in recent weeks, I wouldn’t think of breaking his confidence!
I’ve backed him on here when things have happened that he said might come to pass.
I do believe Micky has sources which I believe are well connected,
At the end of the day, he’s giving us a straw to clutch & hopefully we can pull that straw and Newcastle United out of Mr. Ashley’s grasp!
Thanks to all the positive posters but I can understand the negative one but I’m sure you will all be delighted when the sale finally goes through!
🙂