The former Newcastle United striker behind new takeover bid

The reason for Chopra’s excitement is now becoming clear amid an ongoing furore on Tyneside over the Premier League’s failure to make a decision on a proposed Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of Newcastle United.

Chopra is involved in another takeover bid.

The former United striker is fronting a bid from the Bellagraph Nova Group, which is headquartered in Paris and has investments around the world.

Chopra, a longtime critic of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, has not spoken about the bid, though he has posted a handful of cryptic messages on his social media channels. Early this month he tweeted: “Get the cans from the bin and put them back in the fridge. Geordies, watch this space.”

United fans, however, still want answers from the Premier League over its failure to make a decision on Amanda Staveley’s bid, which was 80% funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

It would have been transformative for the club – and, potentially, the city. Fans hoped the takeover can yet be resurrected.

We know don’t know much, yet, about the BN Group’s plans for the club, but we do know that their bid was lodged with Ashley’s lawyers this week in a letter of intent. The group, ready to start due diligence, is waiting for a response from Ashley, who is reportedly considering legal action against the Premier League.

Now, Ashley – who has been trying to sell the club since late 2017 – must consider another bid.