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Nikkei reports that Nippon Steel may offer Washington a golden share in order to seal a U.S. steel deal.

Nippon Steel may offer a "golden share" in U.S. Steel in order to complete its long-sought purchase of the iconic American company, the Nikkei reported in Japan on Tuesday.

Kyodo, a Japanese news agency, also reported that Washington was debating the idea. This would allow Washington to veto important managerial matters. The information was not attributed to any sources.

Nippon Steel refused to comment and the White House was not immediately available for comment.

The secretive Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States has been reviewing the deal twice for national security by Japan's largest steelmaker.

Donald Trump signaled his support for the deal on Friday, sending shares of both companies soaring higher. However, questions remain about the scope and costs of the deal for the Japanese company.

Trump stated on Sunday that as part of U.S. Steel's "partnership" in Japan, the United States would have "control" of U.S. Steel. He did not elaborate.

Nikkei reports that if the acquisition is approved by the government, Nippon Steel will buy all U.S. Steel shares and delist these, a report from Nikkei stated. Nikkei reported that it would be able then to issue a gold share and transfer to the U.S. Government.

It added that the idea was one of several being considered by Nippon Steel, and has not been shared yet with the U.S. Government. (Reporting and editing by John Geddie, Kirsty Donovan, Kaori Kaneko; Additional reporting in Washington by Susan Heavey; Reporting by Kentaro Kommiya; Yuka Obayashi)

(source: Reuters)