Amanda Staveley Newcastle takeover bid edges closer as she meets with Toon chiefs
AMANDA STAVELEY has met Newcastle chiefs as she steps up her interest in a potential takeover.
SunSport reported yesterday how the mega-rich financier had spoken to representatives of Toon boss Rafa Benitez.
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Now it has emerged that Staveley also went into the Newcastle boardroom after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool to speak to senior club officials.
They included Toon managing director Lee Charnley, PR man Keith Bishop and lawyer Justin Barnes, who Mike Ashley brought in as an advisor in the summer to help sell the club.
Staveley, who runs the £20billion private equity fund PCP Capital Partners, is interested in buying a Premier League club and has been keen to find out more about Newcastle.
The Yorkshirewoman, 44, has not spoken to Ashley himself and has not made any offer.
But her communication with the Sports Direct tycoon’s trusted Toon lieutenants confirms she has genuine interest in the St James’ Park side, who Ashley values at around £400million.
Staveley, 44, helped Thaksin Shinawatra sell Manchester City to Abu Dhabi’s Sheik Mansour in 2008.
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Mike Ashley 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 the game against Liverpool.
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.
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.