There are reports that newly promoted club Newcastle United could be sold to Chinese investors as current owner Mike Ashley listens to interests.
A Chinese consortium is already looking at acquiring the club so a possible takeover of the Magpiesis not so far away.
The deal could be structured in different ways. The management might remain if the club offers shares for sale in order to keep everything balanced. For now the club are not responding to allegations of a takeover bid. The club used to quickly knock down such rumours but it is now ‘no comment.’
The Chroniclesays the right price would be key if Ashley is to sell the club. Sky Sports says there is a Chinese consortium already available as Ashley considers his options. He bought the club back in 2007 for £134 million. He has given the club interest free loans a few times to help offset shortfalls.
Last year, Ashley gave £33 million in loans so the Tyneside could manage the effects of relegation to the Championship. The owner and his companies are owed £129 million in loans. He is set to celebrate a decade in charge of the club this week, according to reports.
For the interested buyers of the club, the strong fan base and the club’s rich history offer significant potential if it is well managed. Merchandizing and jerseys could pull in more revenue if the club is rebuilt. The last rebuilding programme suggested by Alan Shearer ended up in the trash cans in 2009.
With a good manager in charge and with renewed hopes of promotion to the top flight, any prospective owner has the basics in place to build a solid team.