Commercial director Steve McMahon has admitted that time
is running out on the Profitable Group's proposed takeover of
Newcastle.
The Singapore-based Profitable Group are among a number of
bidders attempting to purchase the troubled north-east outfit from
owner Mike Ashley following their relegation to the
Championship.
Ashley values United at £100million but while there has also
been reported interest from Malaysian and American consortiums, the
Magpies still remain in turmoil with no permanent manager, no
activity in the transfer market and the start of the season just
under three weeks away.
As such, former Liverpool player McMahon underlined the need for
a quick sale but insisted the current situation is what attracted
the company to bid in the first place.
"The mess is the attraction - that's what makes it viable. If we
can clean the mess up and run it properly and run it as a business
and get the contracts in hand and be realistic, there lies the
issue for us and we think we can do that," he said.
"We've made an offer, we're waiting for Newcastle's response but
we're hopeful, we're trying our best to make this happen.
"It's got to be in the near future, I would imagine this week
would be crucial. If we don't hear anything back by the end of the
week, it doesn't look hopeful.
"It needs something to happen very, very quickly for the
Newcastle supporters, for the players and we're trying to make that
happen.
"We can only make the offer that we believe is right, we've done
our homework, our due diligence, the funds are in place and we've
done our best to try and get the club.
"We've made a very serious and genuine offer, we're just hoping
we hear something soon.
"We're not looking to steal the club off Mike Ashley. We've
offered what we believe is the value of the club. We believe the
expertise we have in marketing and the football side of it, we can
make this work."
McMahon underlined funds would be in place to overhaul the squad
but played down any prospect of a massive spending spree.
"There will be money available, it depends how much we acquire
the club for, we've put a certain amount of money aside and if we
have to up the bid for Newcastle then that leaves us less money for
players," he added.
"We're not saying we're going to be a Manchester City because
we're not. We want to run it as a business and whatever money is
available we will give to the manager if we're successful and it's
all about if we're successful in the bid."
McMahon also again reiterated they would be keen to re-appoint
Alan Shearer if their bid was successful.
"We need to get the club first but we would certainly be looking
to keep Alan, he would be a major draw for players to the club and
for the supporters," he said..
"We understand the situation and Shearer is part of the future
for Newcastle - if we acquire it."
The club insisted they have sold almost 25,000 season tickets
for the new campaign despite the club's ongoing off-the-field
problems.
Speculation at the weekend suggested the Magpies had only
managed to persuade around 15,000 fans to pay for the entire
campaign up front.
However, the club released a statement on Monday afternoon
claiming they are nearing the 25,000 mark, and are hopeful of
adding more before their Championship fixtures get under way in
less than three weeks' time.
The statement said: "The club can confirm that sales are now
closing in on the 25,000 mark with uptake in the expanded family
area particularly strong.
"Interest is continuing to grow on a daily basis and with the
new season still three weeks away, we expect the number of season
ticket holders to further increase."
At the height of Sir Bobby Robson's reign at St James' Park,
Newcastle had around 44,000 season ticket holders, ensuring
sell-out crowds at the 52,000 capacity stadium for virtually every
game.
However, attendances have fallen in recent years, and the
effects of relegation, coupled with the continuing uncertainty over
the club's ownership and the fact that crowd favourite Shearer is
still waiting to hear if he will be appointed manager, could have a
significant effect this time around despite a nine per cent
decrease in prices.