According to Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards, there is ‘no way’ there will be a takeover at Newcastle before the transfer window closes.
That’s even if Mike Ashley wins his first legal battle against the Premier League.
Takeover fever has taken over the Toon Army once again, as we enter a key month for the saga.
The club’s arbitration case against the Premier League is set to take place this month, as Ashley looks to resurrect the deal.
PCP Capital Partners agreed to buy Newcastle last year, but the deal wasn’t passed by the Premier League.
After a lengthy delay, PIF walked away forcing the consortium to withdraw.
Now Ashley is looking to get the takeover back on track.
Mike Ashley’s legal battle against the Premier League
Arbitration is taking place to address the issue of separation between PIF and the Saudi state. Then there is the CAT case, with Ashley accusing the Premier League of breaking competition law.
But while this all goes on in the background, Newcastle United are standing still.
There has been no club accounts, retained list or new kit announced. There isn’t even a sniff of a first-team signing.
All hope seems to be pinned on the takeover being resurrected.
However, Edwards believes even that won’t save the Magpies this summer.
Luke Edwards has his say on Newcastle takeover
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards is a polarising figure among Toon fans.
He’s often vilified for his opinions, while his takeover stance has angered supporters.
Edwards also has a close relationship with Steve Bruce, while there was the Henry Mauriss situation last summer.
But his latest takeover claim will cause some worry among supporters.
According to the journalist, there is no chance new owners will be able to influence things this summer even if they are allowed to complete a takeover.
He may have a point. We do not know when arbitration will be completed.
If it does go our way, the consortium will seemingly have a route back to the table. But there is no guarantee that it will be a seamless process.
I doubt it’s as easy as Amanda Staveley handing over the cash to Ashley in exchange for the keys.
The potential new owners will still need to make an offer for the club once again, and will then need to pass the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ test.
And while they should be able to pass this time, there are no assurances about how long it will take.
While Edwards’ negativity often irks Toon supporters, he may have a point here.
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