According to the Shields Gazette, Mike Ashley is not welcoming any interest from James Pallotta in Newcastle United.
It’s claimed that Pallotta is yet to initiate talks over a deal for Newcastle despite hints that he is interested in taking over.
The report adds that Mike Ashley isn’t even interested in listening to Pallotta, and an approach wouldn’t be welcomed.
That’s because Ashley only has eyes for the deal that fell through last summer with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben brothers.
Whether that deal can be fully resurrected remains to be seen, but Ashley isn’t even thinking about selling to Pallotta right now.
Pallotta, 63, is a billionaire businessman who was co-owner of AS Roma for eight years before selling up last year, and he has also been on the board of the Boston Celtic in the NBA.
The American hasn’t ruled out returning to football since leaving Roma, and hinted at his interest in Newcastle earlier this month when speaking to The Athletic.
Newcastle fans may not be too happy to hear that Ashley is overlooking a billionaire in favour of a deal that looks incredibly difficult, but will just want a change of ownership at the club regardless of who wins the race.
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