Former Newcastle United boss John Carver believes Mike Ashley would happily sell up.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Former Newcastle United manager John Carver believes owner Mike Ashley would step aside if a suitable offer came in to buy the club.
Ashley, who took full control of Newcastle in 2007, told Sky Sports this month that he would be willing to sell the Magpies if the right bidder came in.
The controversial 52-year-old claims that he has pumped approximately £250 million of his own money into the North-East side, and also warned that United must start generating their own money.
It was reported by The Guardian back in June that the unpopular figure was willing to discuss a potential sale of Newcastle to Chinese investors in a link which does not appear to have materialised, with no bid reported.
Nevertheless, ex-manager Carver, replaced by Steve McClaren two years ago, tells BBC Radio 5 Live that he believes Ashley would gladly leave if the right offer was forthcoming.
“I think when he first took it over it was a new toy for him but he fell out with the fans and the fans fell out with him, he fell out of love with [Newcastle],” he said.
“He’s still a business man so he’s not going to take a hit but if somebody comes in with the cash, he will step aside.”
Current boss Rafael Benitez is said to be frustrated with his owner, who has seemingly refused to financially back the Spaniard as much as Benitez had hoped on their Premier League return.
Newcastle, who have spent over £30 million on five players, lost their first game of the season at home to Tottenham.
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