- Amanda Staveley was in the stands at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon
- The 44-year-old controls £28billion of sovereign wealth through PCP Capital
- She has previously made it known that she wishes to buy a Premier League side
A prominent financier with historic ties to the Royal Family and £28billion of foreign sovereign wealth under her management was spotted at Newcastle on Sunday, prompting suggestions she could be masterminding a takeover.
Amanda Staveley, a former girlfriend of Prince Andrew, controls through her business PCP Capital Partners and is known to be interested in acquiring a Premier League club.
The entrepreneur, who attempted to launch a takeover of Liverpool with Chinese firm Everbright Limited just over a year ago, was caught on camera in the stands at St James’ Park.
Amanda Staveley (centre) and campaigner Margaret Aspinall (right) watch the game
She was in attendance to see the clash between Newcastle and Liverpool, which ended in a 1-1 draw, and sat alongside Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall.
Aspinall was at the game as Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez’s guest of honour but there is no indication that Staveley had been formally invited by the home side.
Staveley, 44, has the funds to buy any of the 20 teams in the English top flight, while Newcastle have been linked with a takeover in recent months.
However, club sources have played down the suggestion that she could be involved in a move for the Magpies.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley wants to sell the club and her presence had triggered speculation over an approach from the Middle East.
Staveley (left) has indicated that she will be interested in purchasing a top-flight club
The 44-year-old helped Thaksin Shinawatra sell Manchester City to Sheik Mansour in 2008.
In the summer, Sportsmail reported that Ashley is considering selling his club amid interest from Chinese investors with the asking price in excess of £400million.
Ashley – who bought Newcastle for £134m in 2007 – spoke in June of Newcastle’s healthy financial position.
In a statement confirming that Benitez would be staying on as boss, Ashley said: ‘I’ve confirmed to Rafa and Lee Charnley (chief executive) that they can have every last penny that the club generates through promotion, player sales and other means in order to build for next season.’