1 Oct 2008

Nigerians bid to buy Newcastle

7:12 am on 1 October 2008

A consortium of Nigerian tycoons has launched a bid to buy ailing English Premier League football club Newcastle United.

The businessman heading the bid, Chris Nathaniel, says the consortium has presented its bid to the club but has declined to give any further details.

The consortium has also made it clear it doesn't want to be identified at this stage and Nathaniel says he respects those wishes and he's done his job.

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley put the team up for sale two weeks ago, having fallen foul of the fans after manager Kevin Keegan resigned, saying he did not have full control over the buying and selling of players.

Nigerian media reports said last week the consortium had come up with 350 million pounds but wanted to find an additional 100-150 million to secure the deal.