Irishmen want to cross the football world's big divide

Jul 13 2009 The Journal

Despite claims that groups have been forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement, Mr Chawke is the second person to declare an interest in buying Newcastle.

He follows Steve McMahon, who said on Friday morning that the Singapore-based Profitable Group are serious candidates to take over. It is unclear whether Profitable are willing to meet £100m valuation, however.

Mr Chawke said yesterday: “We had three great years there (Sunderland), but unfortunately we’re gone now and we’re looking for options. We have to look at options other than Sunderland and Newcastle would fit very nicely into our portfolio.

“Newcastle is a very viable option at the moment. It’s for sale for about £100m, which is about £500m less than it was worth a year and a half or two years ago.”

Mr Chawke’s interest adds a new international flavour to the long drawn out takeover saga.

A group of unidentified Malaysians are among the front runners, while a group based in the United States are also believed to be in the running.

As well as Profitable and the former Sunderland shareholders, there were reports of United approach the men behind Austrian gaming firm, B-win.

In his most recent public statement last week, Newcastle United’s managing director Mr Llambias claimed the takeover situation was “ongoing”.

He said: “There have been more than two bids at £100m. At the moment, we are in the hands of lawyers, and it is all ongoing.

“We are giving interested parties all the help that they need.”