Newcastle Jets could be sold within months as FFA reveal firm interest

THE struggling Newcastle Jets could be sold within a matter of months with the FFA revealing there is firm interest from European and Asian parties.

THE struggling Newcastle Jets could be sold within a matter of months with the FFA revealing there is firm interest from European and Asian parties for the embattled franchise.

Since Nathan Tinkler’s controversial reign as owner ended last May, the FFA has been forced to dip into its own coffers to finance the club and keep the franchise afloat.

But despite a limited budget that has seen the Jets battle for on-field results, FFA CEO David Gallop has told The Daily Telegraph he is optimistic the sale of the club is potentially just around the corner.

Asset management company UBS Australia has been hired to assist with the process.

“We expect UBS to have an information document in the marketplace within the next few weeks but we already have a number of interested parties including strong Asian and European interest which gives us plenty of optimism about a potential sale,” Gallop said.

“On a best-case scenario, it will probably take some months and we want to find a good fit for Newcastle and the football community of the Hunter.

“Obviously, the price is a consideration as well.”

Gallop would not comment on how much the FFA believes the club is worth but it is understood to be around the $5 million to $6 million mark.

Dundee United major shareholder Stephen Thompson is believed to have offered as much as $4 million for the Jets several months ago but was knocked back and the potential deal fell through.

Gallop, who was at Hunter Stadium last Sunday to see the Jets end their goal scoring drought in a 3-1 win over Wellington, said the club remains an attractive proposition for investors.

“There is genuine interest out there, both here in Australia and overseas, so I think that says a fair bit.”

Newcastle are fending off interest in David Carney from Sydney FC.

Meanwhile, Gallop is confident the Jets can resolve their differences with leading player David Carney, who is at the centre of a standoff with the club over his re-signing.

Off contract at the end of the season, the club is yet to talk to him about his playing future.

It’s expected Carney will finally sit down with coach Scott Miller and CEO David Eland in the next 24 hours, prior to Sunday’s home clash against Perth, in a bid to sort out their differences.

Sydney FC has already made a play for the veteran former Socceroo with coach Graham Arnold keen to get him on board immediately if the Jets are prepared to release him.

Originally published as Newcastle Jets could be sold within months as FFA reveal firm interest