Revealed: The $71million sports tycoon contributing to the Newcastle United takeover push

Barry Hearn has emerged as a ‘key figure’ in the latest round of Newcastle United takeover talks – according to reports.

Hearn, who made his estimated $71million wealth through a number of sporting ventures, is said to have been the man to introduce Amanda Staveley to the representatives of Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The meeting is said to have taken place in December, when Hearn’s Matchroom Sports were hosting the anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr.

From there, the Daily Mail claim that Staveley escalated discussions with Salaman’s partners before ultimately becoming the dealbroker for the country’s sovereign wealth fund.

The investment fund (PIF) are interested in a £340million takeover of Newcastle United. Recent reports suggested they were also looking at West Ham United but, as reported by the Gazette earlier this week, their focus remains clearly on the Magpies.

However, no deal looks to be imminent.