Mexican mogul linked with Newcastle United opens up on Premier League ambitions

Alejandro Irarragorri reportedly met owner Mike Ashley for takeover talks in London two years ago.

However, United’s owner ended up agreeing a £300million sale to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Ashley is now taking legal action in an attempt to resurrect that deal after the Premier League failed to make a timely decision on its approval.

Irarragorri, meanwhile, remains interested in expanding his portfolio of clubs.

The Grupo Orlegi owner told Sky Sports: "Are we looking to the Spanish league? Yes, constantly. Are we looking to the Premier League? Yes, constantly. We’re heading towards that. Let’s see how it goes.

"There are a lot of good examples of multi-team ownership, but I don’t see we have seen anything in terms of what they could be reaching in terms of sports synergy yet.

"What Manchester City did 10 years ago is impossible to replicate today. That boat has sailed. The only way that a team can bring themselves to that level today is through a multi-team structure. That is the business now.

"Fans like to hear that a very wealthy entrepreneur has bought their team, and he’s going to pour money into them. I don't think that is the way to go these days. The stakes are so high now that this is no longer a hobby.

"Yes, you might have some crazy billionaires who want to do that, but I don't think it is the case.”