Could be Real deal for Freddy

Sep 28 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

FREDDY SHEPHERD could yet buy Real Mallorca — from the club’s brand new owners.

UK plumbing magnate Paul Davidson, backed by wealthy Arab investors, is finally set to seal a 38 million Euro (£30 million) deal for the La Liga outfit.

But with Davidson and co understood to be mainly interested in developing several pieces of real estate owned by Real, they may yet offer the club itself to former Newcastle chairman Shepherd.

Davidson has now come up with the financial guarantees needed to satisfy Mallorca owner and majority shareholder Vicente Grande.

And although Grande’s financial problems mean the final decision on the deal lies with a civil judge, his approval is thought to be a formality.

The contract set to be ratified will state that Davidson cannot sell Real Mallorca until June 30 next year.

But if he successfully argues that a would-be new owner like Shepherd would be good for the club, that clause could be waived.