Newcastle United takeover-linked Amanda Staveley reveals her thoughts on Gulf state investment in UK

LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 22: Chief Negotiator of Dubai International Capital Amanda Staveley looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Semi Final, first leg match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on April 22, 2008 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Staveley opened up two companies that could be used as potential takeover vehicles this month as ‘Project Zebra’ was ramped up a notch.

Her partnership with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s Public Investment Fund could see Staveley and billionaire brothers Simon and David Reuben take a stake at St James’s Park, ending 13 years of Ashley’s reign, should he accept their terms.

Their offer, thought to total £340million, is at a delicate point and the next few days could prove make or break for discussions.

Staveley made three separate bids to buy United in 2018 - all of which were rejected by Ashley.

This has not stopped the Middle-East-based broker from pursuing her United dream – and in an interview with Bloomberg, she reveals exactly why she thinks Gulf investment, particularly sovereign cash, will be well invested on these shores.

“Sovereign wealth funds are very strong,” she said in a 2018 interview.

“They are full of incredibly exciting people that are incredibly, technically good.

“The UK has a lot of opportunities for the sovereign wealth funds.”

Speaking about her failed attempts to buy United in the Times back in the summer of 2018, Ripon-born Staveley said: “They’re such passionate fans – and it’s a great club. I’m a northerner. My family home is an hour away from St James’s Park.

“I just love football, and Newcastle has a proper history and a real magic.”