Mike Ashley and The Storch family are 'waiting' to seal Sheffield Wednesday takeover | OneFootball

Mike Ashley and The Storch family would be willing to re-enter discussions to buy Sheffield Wednesday if James Bord's deal falls through.

Mike Ashley and The Storch family would be willing to revisit a deal for Sheffield Wednesday if James Bord’s consortium fails to complete a deal for the Championship strugglers.

The Owls entered administration in October, with a host of potential buyers then showing an interest in purchasing the club.

It was then announced in December that a consortium led by Bord were the preferred bidders, and they have been working with the EFL since as they look to pass the owners’ and directors’ test and the other necessary checks that are required before it’s finalised.

Mike Ashley and The Storch family remain keen on Sheffield Wednesday takeover

Much to the frustration of supporters, that is an ongoing process, with recent reports claiming that it may not be completed until spring.

Yet, The Times have explained that there could also be doubts over Bord’s consortium completing the deal at all.

Whilst it should be stressed that they say the consortium is ‘confident’ it will go through, they also reveal that ‘some fear the deal will be blocked’ amid concerns about whether they will be able to meet the EFL’s demands, as they note there is very little public information about the proof of funding and the net worth of those involved.

Obviously, that would be another setback for the Owls, but the update does claim that if Bord’s deal to buy the club falls through, Ashley and The Storch family are ‘waiting on the sidelines’ to return. Plus, they state other bidders could also emerge.

It was widely reported that the former Newcastle chief was interested in buying the Yorkshire outfit, with Ashley and The Storch family among those to have made a bid for the club before Bord’s consortium were named as preferred bidders.

Sheffield Wednesday will hope for takeover clarity soon

You can understand why some connected to Sheffield Wednesday are anxious about a deal involving Bord’s consortium, and, the longer it drags on, the more likely it is that rumours emerge.

But, the reality is that we don’t know all the details behind the scenes, and the fans can only trust the administrators who assessed all the offers. Then, it’s the same with the EFL, as they are conducting all the necessary checks.

So, ultimately, it’s a case of waiting and seeing what happens, but the fact Ashley and The Storch family would be willing to return to the table is a major positive.

That shows that Wednesday are still seen as a very attractive option despite the fact they will be playing in League One next season, and it offers encouragement if the Bord deal isn’t completed.