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April Fool’s Day isn’t for another two weeks, but a Newcastle United takeover story in Sunday’s newspapers might just have stolen a march on the annual festivities.

The Daily Star Sunday claims that boxing champion and self-styled media mogul Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather is interested in – wait for it – launching a takeover bid for the Magpies. And they even carry quotes from the boxing champion confirming his interest in Newcastle and even suggesting that he might tempt Cristiano Ronaldo to United to finish his career.

The pantheon of Newcastle takeover stories has a few bizarre entries in it. There was the tale about wrestling boss Vince McMahon supposedly wanting to launch a takeover bid – later debunked – and the Turkish biscuit mogul Murat Ülker, again debunked within a few hours.

(Image: Aveika)

But the link with Mayweather, who is supposedly training for a UFC bout with Connor McGregor, probably takes the biscuit.

The Daily Star Sunday claims Mayweather is open to investing in Newcastle. There are quotes puportedly from Mayweather too, which read: “You better believe if I were to invest in Newcastle I would be back partying there often.

“I love Newcastle. Those guys like to party as hard as any city I have been to anywhere in the world. I met some of the players last year – and they are good guys. I am always open to new business opportunities and I love all sports, but I invest with my head not my heart.

“Investing with your heart is the quickest way to lose money. But if somebody put together a business plan and my people looking over it and went ‘Floyd that can make money’ then I would invest. Soccer might not be my game but I’ve got connections everywhere.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has been a long-time supporter and buddy of mine, so I might even be able to get him to finish his career off at Newcastle.”

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

It’s a fine story if it pans out – but the fact it’s buried on page 13 of the Daily Star’s Sunday edition, below a page lead about Pep Guardiola saving a litter of cats, suggests the writer isn’t holding out much hope of the ‘Money Man’ becoming the Magpies’ main man. Indeed, the fact it’s not in the sport section at all is strange.

For the record, there’s been no contact between him or any of his associates, with the football club.

And back in the real world, sources close to Mike Ashley insist the club remains up for sale but there have been no developments whatsoever since the burst of energy in January when the owner publicly broke off communication with Amanda Staveley, who shot back with an interview of her claiming she is serious about taking over the club.

Staveley’s private position remains the same but with Ashley sticking to his asking price and the club’s divisional status obviously dictating interest, there is unlikely to be any movement any time soon. And that means the club’s current planning revolves around Ashley retaining control for the forseeable future.

Unless Mayweather takes over, of course....