Saudi prince 'still wants United takeover' despite Newcastle links

Super rich Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly remains very keen to pull off a takeover of Manchester United.

That is despite ongoing reports linking him to a move for Mike Ashley's Newcastle before the end of the season.

Bin Salman made strong attempts to acquire United 18 months ago but was rebuffed by the club's Glazer owners. Now his business empire remains committed to thrashing out an Old Trafford deal, as reported by the Mirror.

Super rich Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman remains keen to acquire Man United

Bin Salman's previously floated a £3.5billion offer for the Red Devils, which would have given United's current owners a huge profit.

The Glazers purchased United for £790million in May 2005, and their reign has been fraught with controversy ever since.

Continual refusal from the Americans to sell United has led to Bin Salman's name being linked with a takeover of Newcastle.

Bin Salman has bottomless riches and is linked with a purchase of Manchester United

Yet the Saudi Prince's name has also been linked with Newcastle and a deal with Mike Ashley

Mike Ashley has made no secret of his willingness to sell the north east club, but remains fixed on a certain valuation of which he will not budge.

Ashley wants £340million to relinquish control of the club and is yet to receive a firm offer for the Premier League side. Ashley is also said to be sceptical of the latest speculation.

Ashley's intention to remain as club owner was seen on the final day of the January transfer window, as Newcastle pondered a £35million bid for in-form Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

As reported by Sportsmail, any potential Saudi takeover could be blocked by the Premier League amid allegations that their government are facilitating the commercial theft of the top flight's international television rights.  

The League last year accused Saudi Arabia of being complicit in 'the ongoing theft of our intellectual property' by refusing to support legal action against pirate broadcaster beoutQ, who it is claimed are broadcasting matches illegally using the state-owned Arab Satellite Communications Organisation (ArabSat) throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Source: DailyMail