From Lagos to Dubai, China to Tyneside, there’s been an eclectic mix of interested parties, the latest of which is from the USA.
Here’s EIGHT failed takeovers from the last 12 years – and details of the latest attempts.
1. Mystery Nigerian consortium - 2008
This group were keen to reappoint Kevin Keegan as director of football and Alan Shearer as manager. This proved less far fetched than their offer. Photo: Dan Kitwood
2. Barry Moat - 2008
The dream ticket, no? A local businessman at the helm? An offer of around £100m was reportedly close but the deal fell through. Photo: Ian Forsyth
3. Geoff Sheard - 2008
With the club put up for sale Sheard put an offer in. Later turned out, following a failed bid to buy Sheffield Wednesday, that he had no cash. Declared bankrupt. Photo: George Wood
4. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan - 2008
Oh, what could have been. The now Manchester City owner first considered Newcastle United. Mike Ashley, unsurprisingly proved a difficult seller. This was the sliding doors moment we all want to forget. Photo: Francois Nel