Takeover talk at Newcastle

Newcastle owner David Thompson has confirmed to have held talks with three consortiums based in the North East of England about a possible takeover at Kingston Park.

Newcastle owner David Thompson has confirmed to have held talks with three consortiums based in the North East of England about a possible takeover at Kingston Park.

Thompson said that he has spoken with potential investors as he looks for fresh investment into a club that he has financed since 1999.

Last week Thompson sought to play down talk of a deal being completed within the next few months and has refused to confirm or deny the identity of the North East businessmen that he has negotiated with.

The Newcastle boss admitted that fresh investment is required to catch up with the Guinness Premiership's big spenders and according to the Journal Live held talks with investors who he believes can put the club on a more competitive footing.

There are several issues to be solved before any deal can be finalised, however, and any new owners would have to consider whether to buy back the stadium from Northern Rock.

The Falcons currently lease back the ground from the bank, who purchased it in 2007 for around £15m.

Falcons' new-look squad started the season as favourites for relegation but such an eventuality would be a huge blow for the North East rugby scene.

“If you look at the rugby landscape there are a number of clubs, like Saracens, where there has been investment so they can compete at the highest level,” said Thompson.

“Newcastle Falcons are no different from that and we have had discussions with a number of parties who may be interested in investing.