Amanda Staveley at Newcastle stadium St James’ Park for draw against Liverpool amid takeover rumours
Financial entrepreneur in stands during Liverpool stalemate and has been linked with buying Toon from Mike Ashley
FINANCIAL entrepreneur Amanda Staveley was at St James’ Park yesterday – sparking speculation she could be involved in a Newcastle takeover attempt.
The former girlfriend of Prince Andrew runs the £20billion private equity fund PCP Capital Partners, which is an investment vehicle for sovereign Middle East money.
Staveley, 44, helped Thaksin Shinawatra sell Manchester City to Abu Dhabi's Sheik Mansour in 2008.
And this summer, the Yorkshirewoman admitted she is interested in buying a Premier League club.
SunSport understands Staveley was NOT invited to Tyneside by Ashley or any of his senior staff.
But her appearance may be significant given Ashley, who was not at yesterday’s game, is actively looking to sell the club he bought in 2007.
The Sports Direct tycoon wants just shy of £400million for Newcastle and several parties have expressed interest in recent weeks.
Staveley sat in the stands next to Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall, who Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez made guest of honour for yesterday’s match with Liverpool.
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Interestingly, Staveley has previously been involved in takeover attempts of the Reds.
In 2007, she helped Dubai investors with a bid which was ultimately aborted.
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And last year her firm made a joint offer for a share of the club with Chinese company Everbright Limited - but it was rejected by the Reds' current owners, the Fenway Sports Group.
Staveley has also been linked with a potential takeover attempt of Tottenham.
