Speculation that US billionaire Jerry Jones is planning to buy Tottenham Hotspur has been quashed.
Reports had suggested that the Dallas Cowboys owner was considering a deal to buy the club, which has a well-established relationship with the NFL and hosts games annually at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Jones, one of America's wealthiest individuals with an estimated net worth of $16billion, has previously been linked with Spurs.
The 82-year-old, who is among the most high-profile owners in the NFL, purchased the Cowboys in 1989 for $140million. The franchise clinched the Super Bowl three times in the 1990s but hasn't done so since.
He has a history of venturing into other sports, recently agreeing a deal with IndyCar owner Roger Penske to host a street race near the Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
And rumours this week claimed that Jones was jetting into London to negotiate a colossal deal for the club, which is valued at £3.75billion. However, Football London understands that the reports are wide of the mark and that Jones will not be purchasing or investing in the club.
Tottenham are on the lookout for fresh investment, chairman Daniel Levy confirmed earlier this year. In a statement released alongside Spurs' financial results for the year ending 30 June 2023, Levy highlighted the need for new funds to unlock the club's "long-term potential".
He said: "To capitalise on our long-term potential, to continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the Club requires a significant increase in its equity base.
"The Board and its advisors, [investment bank] Rothschild and Co, are in discussions with prospective investors. Any recommended investment proposal would require the support of the Club's shareholders."
Back in September, speaking to Bloomberg, Levy said he felt obligated to "consider anything anyone may want to propose". At that time, reports suggested that the discussions were centred around selling a minority stake rather than a complete takeover, with Levy having "no real interest" in stepping down as chairman.
Off the pitch, Spurs have been a roaring success since moving to their current stadium in 2019, with matchday revenue trebling while sponsorship, merchandise sales and events brought in £228million in the last financial year. As a result, Spurs’ financial worth has rocketed, with Levy valuing the club at around £3.75bn.