The Mets’ talks with hedge-fund manager David Einhorn over the purchase of a minority stake in the team are going into extra innings, The Post has learned.
The hedge-fund manager and the cash-strapped Mets owners, Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz, were expected to wrap up the $200 million deal for a 33 percent piece of the franchise by June 30 but the two sides, sources said, are still haggling.
“The Mets ownership and David Einhorn are engaged in exclusive, positive discussions regarding an investment in the team,” a team spokesman told The Post.
A sticking point could involve how many years Wilpon and Katz have to pay back Einhorn — three, four or five — or be subject to a clause that allows him to gain control of the Mets.
Under the deal terms, if Einhorn is paid back the $200 million he invests, he keeps a 16 percent stake. If he isn’t paid back, he can exercise an option to increase his stake to 60 percent.
The Mets must close on a deal this month or risk running out of cash.