Who is Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan, what is his net worth and is he buying Newcastle?
DUBAI-based billionaire Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan looks set to make a big splash in the Premier League.
Newcastle have been for sale since October 2017 and owner Mike Ashley appears to have finally found his buyer after almost two years of waiting.
Who is Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan?
A SENIOR member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, Sheikh Khaled established the Bin Zayed Group in 1988.
He is among the most successful entrepreneurs in the Gulf states and cousin to Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.
In his early years, he graduated in business administration from Boston University before completing a PHD in finance from Michigan State.
Back in 2017 he attempted a £2billion takeover of Liverpool, which would have been a world record for the most expensive buyout in the history of football.
Shaikh Khaled, who is 61, is also president of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
But he’s always had a keen interest in football – and especially the bright lights of the Premier League.
His money has been made through the Bin Zayed Group, who specialise in construction and energy, trading and industry, real estate, technology and financial services.
The total net worth of the Abu Dhabi royals is estimated to be £118bn as of 2018.
Is he taking over Newcastle?
MIKE ASHLEY has put the Toon up for sale three times over his tenure in the North East.
SunSport understands that the Sports Direct owner has agreed to sell the club for £350million.
Sheikh Khaled is reportedly ready to provide funds to bolster a limited squad that has done well to stay in the Premier League after years of underinvestment under Ashley.
And one of his first tasks would be to tie down popular manager Rafa Benitez to a new contract.
The Spaniard led Toon to a 13th placed finish in the Premier League this season despite working to a tight budget.
Fans have been frustrated by a lack of progress behind the scenes, with bids from Amanda Staveley and Peter Kenyon failing to result in a takeover.