The £300 million takeover deal is currently being evaluated by the Premier before it is given the green light after Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund(PIF) – along with Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brothers looked to have landed an agreement in the purchase of the club from Mike Ashley.
However, the Daily Mirror now claims that there is a rival bid waiting in the wings if the current takeover plan fails to see the light of the day.
The rival bid is led by American Henry Mauriss, who made his money in the media business and is said to be worth £350million.
According to the report, Mauriss has been negotiating with Ashley since 2019 – but his bid was out runned by audicious offer from the PIF.
A source close to Mauriss told the Mirror: “He’s a charitable and honorable man – and is desperate to become Newcastle’s new owner. It’s a genuine bid.
“He’s a successful player in the media world in America and has a big interest in English football.”
Mauriss has yet to foray into the sporting world and, given the advanced stage of the PIF bid, it seems unlikely his approach for Newcastle United will yield a result.
Reports earlier this week suggested that the current offer on the table – which would see PIF take an 80 percent stake in the club – could be approved within a fortnight.