Posted by Telegraph.co.uk - Football on
A consortium of wealthy Nigerians are planning to take over Newcastle United, according to a report in Africa.
A consortium of wealthy Nigerians are planning to take over Newcastle United, according to a report in Africa.
Current owner Mike Ashley is trying to find a buyer for the ailing Premier League club, but has proved unsuccessful with his initial efforts to secure a sale in the Middle East.
Ashley has announced he wants to sell his interest in Newcastle just 16 months after staging a £134.4million takeover.
Dubai International Capital (DIC) have ruled themselves out of the running, making it clear they are not 'planning a bid for any club'.
However, a Nigerian company claim they have £350million behind them - and are bidding to secure the remaining funding which would improve their chances of a successful takeover.
Chief Executive Officer of the NVA Management, Chris Nathaniel, whose company are handling the deal, wants to make Nigeria the first African country to own a Premier League club.
He said: 'All along I have been working hard to get wealthy and football-loving Nigerian entrepreneurs to buy the club since Mike Ashley indicated his willingness to sell the club to the person, people or entrepreneurs who can meet the £400million selling price.
'Right now I am happy to tell you well meaning Nigerians have responded and the consortium of Nigerian entrepreneurs has so far contributed £350million to buy the club.
'Ashley has stood his ground that he won't sell until the money is raised to the asking price of £400million.
'So what that means is that we need to raise another £50million or £100million to shut the door behind the other top Arab companies who are also interested in the club.
'The Arab companies have also indicated interest and made offers - but they haven't met the asking price too.'