Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has reportedly turned down a takeover offer for the club.
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has turned down approaches from foreign investors to buy the club, reports The Telegraph.
Consortiums in China were believed to be interested in the club, hoping to strike a cheaper deal with the Sports Direct tycoon following the Magpies’ relegation to the Championship.
However, Ashley has rejected these approaches, insisting that the club is not for sale, according to The Telegraph. Having been seen as a villain by a lot of Newcastle fans, this is probably the best period Ashley has had as owner of the club, with the appointment of Rafael Benitez, change of behind-the-scenes politics and improvement on the pitch taking the focus off the businessman.
In previous years, fans had called for Ashley to leave the club, claiming he had ripped the soul out of a once proud and prestigious club, and staging multiple protests inside and outside St. James’ Park in an attempt to force his hand.
Despite protests, Ashley stood firm and insisted he would not be selling the club until they won a trophy or got into the Champions League.
However, Newcastle were relegated the following season, forcing Ashley to change the way he runs the club, with manager Benitez now calling the shots, unlike when Alan Pardew and Steve McClaren were in charge.
In a sensational turn of events, the Newcastle fans are actually happy that Ashley has turned down an approach for the club, calling for stability and stating they are now happy with the former hate figure’s ownership.
What a difference a year makes.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
