REPORTS a mystery north-east textile tycoon is bidding for Newcastle United appear to have been a hoax.
A press release sent to The Northern Echo on behalf of businessman Rick Parkinson claimed he was heading a group prepared to invest £150m to buy Newcastle United and arm Alan Shearer with a £30m transfer war chest.
It claimed Parkinson was "originally from Ponteland, has made millions from the textiles industry, as well as from a number of offshore investments in the early 2000s, and claims to be worth more than £250m."
But with the club unaware of the mysterious Mr Parkinson and his consortium it would appear the story is nothing more than a stitch-up.
Do you have any inside information on 'Mr Parkinson', his consortium or North-East PR Group who issued the press release? Call The Northern Echo on 01325 505065.
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