US rapper Jay-Z is planning to purchase Tottenham Hotspur, following imminent conviction of club’s owner on charges of fraud and insider trading.
The renown rapper, 53, whose assets are worth about £1.95billion, will be supported by some US investors who are awaiting court verdict on Joe Lewis’s case.
Some 13 years ago, Jay-Z had indicated interest in acquiring some stakes at Arsenal.
He said he used to love the North London club because of his favourite player, Thierry Henry.
The superstar who is a joint-owner of top NBA basketball team New Jersey Nets, insisted at the time: “I don’t know a lot about the business of soccer but in future, if the right opportunity presented itself, then who knows?”
Jay-Z’s associate said the hip-hop billionaire is in love with English League.
He said: “More than a few of the very top clubs there – like Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea – are now under US ownership and Jay would jump at the chance of a controlling interest at board level somewhere with the global reach of Spurs.
“It remains to be seen whether Mr Lewis will walk away free. If he doesn’t, Jay has said he wants to be in a position to move quickly if he feels the price is right.” Spurs’ estimated market value has risen slightly this year to £2.18billion – a sum well within reach for Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter.
His associate added: “He believes this is achievable, especially with the backing of fellow investors.”
The octogenarian while appearing before a New York court last week pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of securities fraud and three further conspiracy charges relating to alleged “insider trading” offences between 2013 and 2021.
When covicted, Lewis might face a minimum 10 years in jail.
US attorney Damian Williams told the court: “He used inside information as a way to compensate his employees or shower gifts on his friends and lovers.”
