English Premier League heavyweights, the Tottenham Hotspurs, are in a spot of bother if their current club owner, Joe Lewis, is convicted of fraud and insider trading. According to ‘a close business associate’ of Jay-Z’s, the rap icon is preparing a bid to buy the club should the owner be convicted. 

This isn’t the first time that Jay-Z has expressed interest in buying a football team as in 2010 he almost became a major investor in Arsenal. 

At the time, Jay-Z said, “I don’t know a lot about the business of soccer but in future, if the right opportunity presented itself, then who knows?”

According to the Daily Express US, the right opportunity may indeed have presented itself. 

“More than a few of the very top clubs there – like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea – are now under U.S. ownership and Jay would jump at the chance of a controlling interest at board level somewhere with the global reach of Spurs,” the business associate told the Daily Express US. 

“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.” 

With Tottenham’s estimated market value of $2.8 billion USD, the associate believes this is a reasonable price for the rapper. 

“He believes this is achievable, especially with the backing of fellow investors.” 

The 86-year-old, Joe Lewis, is facing 16 counts of securities fraud and three counts of conspiracy. Lewis entered a not guilty plea and was released on bail for $300 million USD. 

Prosecutors believe Lewis used his access to confidential information to provide stock tips to those close to him. The indictment refers to a girlfriend who made $849,000 USD on one of the tips.