Ex-Newcastle chief Amanda Staveley is set to ramp up plans to buy into Tottenham Hotspur, it has been claimed.
The 51-year-old was a pivotal figure at St James’ Park over the past few years. She was heavily involved in the Saudi-backed takeover by the Public Investment Fund.
Alongside husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, she bought a considerable stake in Newcastle and was granted a place on the club’s board of directors. But her spell at St James’ Park came to an end this summer as her stake was purchased by the club’s Saudi owners, while her involvement with any businesses associated with Newcastle also ended.
It appears that Staveley is not intending to be out of football for very long. She has been linked with making a possible investment into Tottenham in the past and is ready to ramp up her interest.
As per The Sun, Staveley will step up her bid to buy into the North London club. It is suggested that she is backed by “serious money” from Middle Eastern investors.
Current Tottenham owner Daniel Levy would apparently be open to selling a stake, while Staveley’s consortium would hope to buy a greater stake down the line should a deal be struck. It is further revealed that it could cost around £650m for 25 percent of the club.
Staveley had previously remained tight-lipped about a potential deal earlier this summer but confirmed she was open to investment in another Premier League club. As quoted by The Athletic, she said: “My preference would have been to stay with Newcastle, but life doesn’t always work out exactly how you want it to. Nothing is going to replicate that.
"I fell in love with Newcastle, the club and the people and that can’t change, but I didn’t want to get in Newcastle’s way. It’s got to be about what’s best for Newcastle.
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“Mehrdad and I are keen to be hands-on. We’re hard-working people, I love to be very busy and to engage and I love football. Very sadly, we have to move on to other projects and that might involve us taking a stake in another club or buying another club and that’s difficult. But it’s possible.”
Stavelely’s time at Newcastle was a remarkable success. The Magpies surged to safety following the takeover and secured a place in the Champions League the following campaign.
They were on the verge of another place in Europe last term but lost out due to Manchester United ’s FA Cup win. Staveley penned an emotional farewell message to Newcastle after her exit.
A statement on her Instagram read: "Nothing I write today can ever express my gratitude or describe the debt I owe you all. Your support over the last years has been extraordinary, and no fans deserve success more than you.
"Being a small part of your precious Newcastle United has been a privilege, and I will cherish the memories of every single moment. Working with Eddie Howe, Jason Tindall, and Becky Langley has taught me so much.
"They are truly world class - and I will miss everyone terribly. Mehrdad and I have relished the role we had at the club - we particularly loved working alongside Yasir, our PIF colleagues and Jamie Reuben to create a club that will constantly challenge for Europe and will be capable of winning trophies.
"I know PIF and RB will continue to be remarkable custodians - and the club will receive the required support over the coming years."