David Beckham, Phil Anschutz and Newcastle United?

Could Galaxy midfielder David Beckham soon be suiting up in the famous black-and-white stripes of Newcastle United?

Could teammate Landon Donovan be doing the same?

It's not as far-fetched a notion as it seems on the surface, not with all the reports circulating in the northeast of England.

There, according to several newspapers, the race to purchase the English Premier League club is down to only two serious names -- and one of them is Philip F. Anschutz, whose AEG company tentacles are global in reach.

The other man said to be chasing Newcastle United is Clark Hunt, son of the late Lamar Hunt and, like Anschutz, a Major League Soccer owner and investor. Also being mentioned as possible bidders are the Dallas Mavericks' Mark Cuban and the Portland Trailblazers' Paul Allen, although Anschutz and Hunt supposedly are the front-runners.

Newcastle United was founded in 1892 and is a four-time English league champion and six-time F.A. Cup winner. Its St. James Park stadium, refurbished within the decade, seats 52,387 and is the third-biggest ground in England behind Manchester United's Old Trafford and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

The club has endured a rough time since its purchase last year by Mike Ashley, who paid a reported $225-million for one of England's most illustrious and best-supported clubs. A fan revolt against Ashley over the September resignation as coach of former England international Kevin Keegan, a massively popular figure in Newcastle, has caused Ashley to put the club up for sale.

There have been others interested in buying the club, but Anschutz, according to England's Daily Telegraph newspaper, has emerged as "Newcastle's most credible suitor."

Three other Premier League clubs -- Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United -- already are in American hands and Newcastle United, given its history and its passionate following, would rank high on any list of prime acquisitions among the league's teams.

Were Anschutz to buy Newcastle United, it could open the door for Beckham to return to the Premier League and play at the level he needs to in order to maintain his place on England's national team. It would also give Donovan the chance to move to Europe, as he wants to do, without leaving the AEG fold.

It's all a long shot, of course, but for the moment even the speculation is intriguing.

-- Grahame L. Jones

Photo: David Beckham hugs Landon Donovan after Beckham scored a goal in the Galaxy's home opener on April 3. Credit: Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Chris]

Am I wrong, or could there some possible conflicts of interest here?

Part of the reason why Landon Donovan would have a hard time landing in Europe is because he (and the Galaxy) think he's worth more than he is. If Donovan were able to be sold to Newcastle, Anschutz could make a sweetheart deal between the Galaxy and Newcastle, since he owns both. Does the MLS have to approve these deals?

Donovan benefits from teams that are able to spread the field and get him the ball in transition so that he can his speed. I actually think his game would be suited for English football - but a lot of people have questioned his leadership abilities.

As for Beckham...the Galaxy needs to make him finish his contract in the United States. Anything less would be admitting failure by the league in its biggest move in league history.

[Joseph D'Hippolito]

Conflict of interest? AEG? Naaah....

BTW, Tim Leiweke said at last year's Beckham press conference that AEG was not interested in getting involved in the Premier League. Yes, I know he's nicknamed "Lie-weekly" but what has changed over the past 16 months? Is Newcastle United so loaded with debt that it needs an owner who can provide liquid assets immediately? How does owning Newcastle United benefit AEG, unless it means having a greater say in the matters of perhaps the most well-known and profitable soccer league in the world right now?

One more thing: If the fans rebelled against Ashley, watch what they'd do if Anschutz purchases the club. I can see the pitchforks and torches now....

[Sgc]

"Yes, I know he's nicknamed "Lie-weekly" but what has changed over the past 16 months? I"

----

Exhange rates. Back then the pound was over $2. Now, $1.55, it's like all EPL teams have become 30% cheaper.

[Steve]

It’s not about soccer! Its all about greed, money and fame! The Beckhams have been hit by the worldwide economic crisis and had to broaden their horizons elsewhere to counteract declining economic profit and media interest of Brand Beckham. What better a place to go than fashion capitol Milan, a place with potential, a place that could bring in loads of fashion endorsements, contracts, contacts and kudos (His wife needs a Milan association to gain credibility for her failing fashion ambitions). Soccer is the minor issue here!

[STEPHEN TROTTER]

joseph hippolito where did you get this newcastle are loaded with debt information from,i actually live in newcastle england a season ticket holder and i can say been in the supportes club is we have no debt whatsover so i will say get yer facts right before writing a load of garbage, reports in newcastle say both parties interest from usa have got no where near the money to take control of the club

[paulus]

nufc fans would welcome Phil with open arms.
j hippo dosent know what he is talking about. nufc season ticket holder.

[Mike]

Anschutz has proved to be a good owner, willing to take risks and dish out money to improve his teams. He also has bankrolled a number of stadiums and sports facilities and AEG is adept at successfully marketing venues. The thing is, Newcastle United is relatively unknown on the world stage, it's the Chelsea's, the Man-U's, the Liverpool's that are more well-known. In this global age, deft marketing strategies and innovative owners are what are needed to succeed. Newcastle fans would be foolish to revolt against ownership by Anschutz, he would probably not only improve the team on the pitch but as well it's international reputation where their name-brand is not very well known outside the UK currently...