A-League side Newcastle Jets is understood "to be in takeover talks with Scottish Premier League club Dundee United," according to James Gardiner of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
Known as the Tangerines, Dundee United is "owned by the Thompson family, who operated a retail chain in Scotland and have an estimated wealth" of more than A$50M ($41.6M).
Stephen Thompson, who took over as chairman from his late father Eddie in '08, "has improved Dundee United's fortunes -- on and off the field -- dramatically and is understood to be interested in investing in the A-League."
A well-informed source said that talks with the Jets "were advanced" but Thompson had balked at the $5M asking price. The source said, "They know the numbers and are conducting due diligence." Thompson "is also believed to have held talks with the Adelaide United consortium, who are seeking investment" (SMH, 12/11). The HERALD SCOTLAND reported Dundee United has confirmed Thompson "has held talks with Australian side Newcastle Jets." Now the Tannadice side has confirmed last season's William Hill Scottish Cup runners-up is "looking in to new ways of sourcing young talent -- including a potential tie-up with the Jets." A United spokesperson said, "This Board's view is that football is a global market place and as part of our aim to develop Dundee United Football Club we are continually seeking opportunities to improve on and off field." Jets' millionaire Nathan Tinkler "has been actively trying to offload the club" -- currently second bottom of the 10-team A-League -- for months and "even sent a delegation" to the U.K. earlier this year in an attempt to find a buyer (HERALD SCOTLAND, 12/10).
