Mike Ashley has lodged a £20million bid for Sheffield Wednesday.
Last month, Daily Mail Sport revealed that the former Newcastle United owner was monitoring the situation at Hillsborough, with administrators seeking a buyer for the stricken Championship outfit.
And Ashley has now formerly submitted an offer, joining five other parties in the hunt to take over the historic South Yorkshire outfit.
Meanwhile, sources close to the club have disclosed that wages will be paid on Thursday, a day early, in a boost for staff who endured a miserable time under previous owner Dejphon Chansiri with salaries often delayed.
Begbies Traynor, who are overseeing Wednesday’s administration, want to enter a period of exclusivity with a prospective buyer by December 5. All of those who have made a bid have submitted proof of funding to the tune of £50m. In the short-term is thought around £3m would be needed to satisfy creditors.
Ashley, who sold Newcastle to Saudi Arabia’s PIF for £300m, is viewed as a serious candidate. Other bids have landed from at home and overseas. Some believe Ashley, who made his fortune via his Sports Direct empire, would bring the business acumen needed to turn the club around following Chansiri’s disastrous reign.
Former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has tabled a £20million bid for Sheffield Wednesday
Five offers have been made to buy Sheffield Wednesday, with a further two expected over the coming days
Yesterday, Daily Mail Sport revealed one interested party had suggested a merger with cross-city rivals Sheffield United, which was immediately rejected. It was subsequently reported that United’s US owners COH Sports had contacted Wednesday’s administrators. This morning the Americans released a statement which failed to address the report and instead spoke of their commitment to the club.
According to insiders, COH have now enlisted the services of sports consultants Penwick to assess levels of interest investment at Bramall Lane. It is thought they would be open to selling a stake of up to 20 per cent to investors with the right experience.
Ashley was at the helm at St James’ Park for 14 years. He was criticised by some fans for a perceived lack of investment but ensured that the club became an established Premier League outfit. Ashley has previously looked at buying Coventry City, Derby County and Reading.
Whoever wins the race for Wednesday will, in all likelihood, be inheriting a League One club. They are currently 18 points from safety, with further points deductions expected.
Fans have rallied behind the club since Chansiri’s departure. In an attempt to raise more cash in the short-term, Wednesday are offering a four-game package to December’s matches for £80.
