Newcastle’s former transfer guru Tony Jimenez threatened with jail unless he pays Mike Ashley £4m over doomed golf course investment
MIKE ASHLEY’S former transfer guru Tony Jimenez has been threatened with jail by the High Court.
Jimenez, who was vice-president of player recruitment at Newcastle, has been ordered to pay Ashley £3million plus £1m interest and costs over a doomed golf course.
The High Court gave Jimenez 14 days to cough up but Ashley has yet to see a penny.
In documents seen by SunSport, the High Court judgment on May 31 warns Jimenez he faces prison unless he pays up.
Jimenez, who was also co-owner of Charlton Athletic until 2014, was accused by Ashley of “deliberate fraud”.
Ashley was persuaded to invest £3m in Les Bordes golf course near Orleans in France.
TAKEOVER STILL ON
But Ashley claimed the cash was misappropriated and that it was used to “obtain and retain the money” for Jimenez.
Although Jimenez has strenuously denied the allegations, the court settled in favour of Ashley.
A court order made on May 31 instructed Jimenez to pay up the £3m and £1,016,077.18 interest, plus Ashley’s costs within 14 days.
Meanwhile, Bin Zayed Group’s £350million takeover of Newcastle is still alive and progressing well.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
SunSport first broke the news that Mike Ashley had agreed to sell Toon to the Dubai-based company – fronted up by multi-billionaire Sheikh Khaled.
The group claim they have already provided proof of funding to the Premier League and have reassured desperate Newcastle fans their purchase is going ahead.
While there has been no comment from the Magpies or Premier League, SunSport understands the deal is moving forward.