A Nigerian consortium wanting to buy Newcastle United, could shift their attention to other top Premier League clubs, who are interested in foreign investors.

Ongoing speculation has claimed that a host of clubs including Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Wigan Athletic are open to talks with potential investors.

The first priority for the African group, however, remains the troubled Magpies, and they are waiting for the response from the Tyneside outfit currently owned by Mike Ashley, after making a reported £200million offer.

NVA Management’s Chris Nathaniel, who is heading the consortium's affairs in pursuit of the club takeover, also underlined that the men hoping to buy the Magpies are ‘astute, respectable and wealthy’ as their identity still remains undisclosed apparently giving rise to apprehension in the St James’ Park camp.

"We're talking to a possible manager and key personnel for the club," Nathaniel told The Sun. "Once that is sorted, we'll fine-tune our offer.

"We're prepared to look at other options if our bid for Newcastle is not successful. I've been approached by several top Premier League clubs offering us opportunities to buy their clubs.

"People are having a go because the businessmen have not made themselves known.

"But I can assure everyone they are astute, respectable and wealthy men."