Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has admitted that he is looking for a buyer to take the Premier League club off his hands.
So Mike Ashley wants to sell Newcastle United – and hopes to do so before the close of the January transfer window.
As reported by Sky Sports, Ashley is keen to find a new buyer as quickly as possible but you can understand why the Newcastle fans might be feeling a little pessimistic about the prospect of bidding farewell to their hugely unpopular owner.
Supporters have heard this all before, after all, particularly during the Amanda Stavely saga last year.
But, speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT (5 November, 10am), former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan believes that things have changed – and is confident that Ashley will indeed be riding into the sunset in the very near future.
“There’s a distinct possibility (that the sale will happen). Mike is the one that’s talking now, he’s talking about the transaction and wanting the get the deal done by January,” Jordan said.
“I think (the fans) should put their faith in the fact that they wanted Ashley to commit to selling and he is making clear and absolute noises that he wants to do it by January.”
According to Sky Sports (live blog, 7.40am) Ashley has received offers in excess of £300 million from at least four parties, many of whom appear to be backed by foreign investors. Peter Kenyon (below), the former CEO of Manchester United and Chelsea, also held talks about purchasing the club in September.
And, quite ominously, Jordan has suggested that Newcastle fans should be a little sceptical about who could eventually replace Ashley on Tyneside.
“Then you can worry about who you’re getting in next. But you might have to be careful what you wish for. Newcastle fans will have to wait and see.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
