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American Owners for “Tottenham Hotspurs”?

In case you may have missed it this morning, it could soon be all hotdogs and popcorn at White Hart Lane if you indulge yourself in the latest speculation linking the club with a takeover lead by American entertainment giants AEG.

The Express this morning ‘exclusively’ revealed that AEG lead by Philip Anschutz has been in talks with current owner Joe Lewis for several weeks about a deal worth up to £450m for the club.

I have to admit that it feels like we have been here before. In fact ever since ENIC and Joe Lewis took over the club back in late 2000 from the presenter of the TV programme The Apprentice, there have been regular sound bites about a sale. Some 12 years later and under the successful guidance of Daniel Levy and co such stories have failed to materialise.

We certainly would be an attractive option; with Champions League football looking likely and much planning and ground work having been undertaken on both the training facilities and stadium. The club is currently on the crest of the wave and enjoying its best success since the early 90’s. Perhaps Lewis and ENIC feel that the time has come to cash in on the club’s improved fortunes in recent times.

AEG who currently own LA Galaxy amongst others in their vast portfolio worked closely with the club on our failed Olympic Stadium bid and it is possible that such close dealings may have spurred owner Philip Anschutz who it is claimed has a personal fortune of £4.4 billion to consider increasing that portfolio.

Ownership by American’s is always likely to cause divide amongst the fans. I would certainly be in the camp that further investment in the club would be good, however as long as that investment does not come at a cost detrimental to the club. In recent times the takeovers at both Manchester United and Liverpool by American consortiums have been met by some supporter obstacles, particularly in the former, however have been viewed overall as a success.

Whether any deal is dependent on the position of Daniel Levy at the club is unclear; however what is clear is that Levy’s loyalty and determination for the club has never wavered and few would be likely to reject a proposed takeover should he remain in his position of chairman. Under his guidance and with renewed investment and funding the club could find itself catapulted even beyond the current great times competing with the teams at the top on transfers and wages.

While a degree of salt should be taken with this one and not just because it was published in The Express, do not be surprised if this one rears its head from time to time over the next few months.

Anyway I’m off to grab a Starbucks, then meeting friends for lunch in Hardrock Café and rounding of the day with a nice cold Budweiser or two. God Bless America and God Bless Tottenham Hotspurs. How do you feel?