Richard Keys touts 'open goal' for Henry Mauriss as Newcastle United takeover stalls

Richard Keys has again weighed into the Newcastle United takeover saga.
St James's Park.St James's Park.
St James's Park.

Keys has been a vocal opponent of the proposed Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of the club, which has been with the Premier League for approval since April.

The broadcaster – who works for Qatar-based beIN Sports, who have objected to the £300million deal on the grounds of TV piracy in the kingdom – has also repeatedly talked up a rival bid from little-known American investor Henry Mauriss.

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In a blog post, Keys said: “The Saudi’s will try again after shooting themselves in both feet. I originally said one foot – but it was both. Hiring (former chancellor) Phillip Hammond to lobby is part of the new strategy, although why they’ve chosen him I don’t know.

“Henry Mauriss is still at the table. If he wants it – it’s an open goal. (United owner Mike) Ashley is a willing seller – Mauriss has to get his deal done. Simple.”