[quote author=vantage link=topic=40503.msg1114896#msg1114896 date=1275904791]
From TIA. Fits with Brendans pal, I suspect the same sauce......
So how do we all feel about this:
A group from Abu Dhabi buying the club?
The other half of the family that own Man City - starting bid of £490m, including assurances for an immediate start on the stadium and transfer funds.
The Premier League clearing the deal in principal, allowing one family (of parts of a family) to own 2 clubs in the same division.
Purslow and Ayre to stay at the club, Broughton to leave and be replaced by a permanently resident new Chairman. - Ooh, me me !
Using NDA's a new manager is already selected and ready to be installed, working closely with Carragher to transition him into a full time coaching role. - Bloody Nora !!
All debts written off and finance for players until the stadium is completed, then the club running on a sustainable business model, similar to Arsenal but with contingent funds available to bring in superstar players. - "You're just too good to be true, can't take my eyes off of you"
Abu Dhabi see the north west as a sporting / football centre of excellence
They see us a potentially higher profile than City and their ability to expand the TV deal further around the globe and combat online streaming. - Well DUH !
As the PL are not objecting to the deal, it adds credibility and the PL want further support from organisations that will strengthen the league, in comparison to Spain and Italy.
So, that's it. The news I've been waiting to post - the Chinese thing that I've mentioned before was wrong, I got it wrong. This is all based on my ITK contact, working out of London, in connection with Barclays. I've had firm confirmation from my ITK at RBS that something is definitely happening but they did not confirm Abu Dhabi, they did confirm the amounts and sustainability plan.
Additionally, I have no idea if Amanda Steveley is involved but I do know of a brokerage / fund management group in Mayfair, London having been out to gulf in relation to this deal.
I don't have a firm time scale for the close, I think things seem quite advanced. That's a personal feeling only. Again, personally I think Rafa going was the final hurdle to the deal being done. I think he was asked to leave because he'd indicated the he'd be prepared to talk to Inter, if there was uncertainty about his role at the club. I think it was mutual in every sense of the word and that Inter has been his destination of choice since the Hull match. I do not know who the next manager will be.
Finally, before today I had not seen Abu Dhabi mentioned in any despatches. It's a compelling prospect and I trust my source. Although, I'd be lying if I didn't say I had a gut feeling for Qatar first and Dubai second - I'm not covering my bases, just being honest. So unless anyone knows otherwise, Abu Dhabi looks likely to be it.
I hope I've been as upfront as possible and that Abu Dhabi is clear favourite.
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