According to reports, Sheffield United’s putative new owners were considering acquiring Preston North End.
According to Alan Nixon, an EFL journalist for The Sun, businessman Thomas Page is leading a syndicate seeking to acquire the Blades. He comes from the Midlands, was a professional poker player, and is now entrusted with finalizing a transaction after months of uncertainty. According to our colleagues at The Star, a US consortium reached an agreement with current owner Prince Abdullah, but the club has been in limbo. United have had to just carry on as usual, and they are presently sixth in the Championship table after a goalless draw against Portsmouth.
As the purported takeover continues, it has emerged that Page attempted to lead a consortium to buy both North End and Championship rivals West Brom. Nixon adds that Page hopes to bring an Albanian investor on board to invest in the Bramall Lane team. The Hemmings family has owned PNE since 2010, and the club is ready for purchase by the right party. The owners are now investing £11-12 million per year, however the existing ownership model is being reviewed.
Earlier this year, two consortiums were associated with buying the Lilywhites: a New York-based group and a’mystery’ Miami firm, but talks have since stagnated and nothing has materialised.
In June, it was disclosed that North End is engaging with financiers Rothschild to examine ownership options.
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