Jordan reckons Mike Ashley will sell Newcastle this time around.
Former Crystal Palace owner and chairman Simon Jordan has told TalkSPORT that he believes Mike Ashley will sell Newcastle United this time around, after claims earlier this month that he had never been closer to selling the club.
Former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is said to be heading a consortium’s move to takeover from Ashley at St. James’ Park, which has been a long time coming.
Ashley has been looking to sell the club since returning to the Premier League, with Rafa Benitez and fans growing frustrated at a lack of investment from the Sports Direct mogul in the transfer windows.
It is believed Kenyon’s consortium are offering £200million, but Ashley wants £300million, while a sticking point remains that Ashley wants SportsDirect branded at the club. Despite this, Jordan reckons the club will be sold.
“He’s absolutely looking to sell, unequivocally,” Jordan said. “Knowing how deals get done and knowing the signs, without a shadow of doubt Ashley is looking to sell.
“Last time round when [Amanda] Staveley came to the table, I said that this deal won’t get done. This time around, there is a different feel to it. Ashley is going to sell this football club, and it is not going to hold them back in the January window.”
Jordan is claimed to have known Ashley with the duo likely to have come across paths during their ownership of Palace and Newcastle. Jordan left Palace in 2010, while Ashley joined Newcastle in 2007.
It remains to be seen what kind of backing Benitez will get in the upcoming transfer window. Newcastle desperately need additions if they are to survive relegation, but that is unlikely to come from Ashley.
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