Echo: "City analysts continue to claim that Ashley is willing to sell the Magpies on at a profit, but there have been no takeover discussions since the sportswear magnate assumed sole control of the club last summer.Ashley Goes Quiet On 'Sell Out' Rumours!
Echo: "City analysts continue to claim that Ashley is willing to sell the Magpies on at a profit, but there have been no takeover discussions since the sportswear magnate assumed sole control of the club last summer."And while a number of reports yesterday linked Newcastle with Dubai Investment Capital, the Middle Eastern consortium that are attempting to purchase Liverpool from joint-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, a senior St James' Park source last night insisted the club had no knowledge of PCP, a third-party financing firm that were alleged to be involved in the talks.
advertisement
"Having gained a reputation as a shrewd trader thanks to the successful development of his Sports Direct empire, speculation surrounding Ashley's motives for purchasing Newcastle has increased in the last six months.
"Having gained a reputation as a shrewd trader thanks to the successful development of his Sports Direct empire, speculation surrounding Ashley's motives for purchasing Newcastle has increased in the last six months.
"The Newcastle owner spent around £150m to purchase the Magpies and committed a further £100m to wipe out the debts incurred by the previous regime, and there is no chance of him relinquishing the club for less than he has invested.
"But city analysts claim he would be willing to speak to potential investors willing to table an offer of £300m.
"Given his background as a successful businessman and his lack of an historical emotional attachment to Tyneside, it would be strange if Ashley was not willing to discuss a formal offer that raised the possibility of a short-term profit."