Harris still confident he can sell Newcastle

Aug 5 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United deal broker Keith Harris remains optimstic Mike Ashley could sell the club this month, and believes the wage bill is a far bigger barrier than the lack of a manager.

Harris has an impressive track record when it comes to facilitating deals to sell clubs, but admits the financial climate is making it much harder to offload Newcastle.

Seymour Pierce were charged in May with finding a buyer for the relegated Premier League club at the right price, something owner Ashley failed to do in 2008.

But despite numerous optimstic bulletins from the club’s hierarchy predicting imminent sales, United remain on the market for £100m.

“Newcastle are clearly not going to be sold before 5.30 on Saturday (the time their first game of the season kicks off),” said Harris. “But I’m hopeful something might be done by the end of the month.

“I wish there had been an announcement but it is not through lack of interest. As opposed to two years ago, the glass is half empty instead of half full (from the perspective of potential buyers).”