Mike Ashley Sees Newcastle Goodbye Message Blocked by Prospective Saudi Buyers

Mike Ashley's goodbye message to Newcastle supporters has been blocked by the club's prospective new owners, according to a report.

While the deal between the Sports Direct businessman and the Saudi investors is currently being processed by the Premier League, Ashley was going to go public with a communiqué announcing that his time on Tyneside was coming to an end. 

However, the incoming owners the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund blocked the Englishman from doing so as the deal is yet to be made final.

The ​Daily Mail reports that it is customary in Saudi Arabian business practise to wait until the deal is completed before making any comments, preventing Ashley from going ahead with his statement.

The club and Ashley have both remained tight-lipped on the proposed takeover, despite the 350-page plan being widely reported.

The lack of communication by either the owner or ​Newcastle does not mean that the takeover is wavering, however. The Mail's report claims that insiders and sources have confirmed that Ashley remains convinced and still wishes to sell the club. 

Therefore, with Ashley adhering to the Saudi customs, eager Magpies fans could end up waiting up to three weeks for official information regarding the future of their club. It is now in the Premier League's hands for any official word regarding the takeover.

The deal is set to make Newcastle the richest club in the ​Premier League and includes an ambitious plan to bring in top-tier talent from across Europe.

The change in ownership would bring an end to Ashley's 13-year reign. During that time, Newcastle have endured two relegations, two promotions and plenty of vocal discontent from the stands about the running of the club.

Fans have rallied against Ashley's lack of investment, with plenty of public showings against the Walsall businessman over the years.

The club's best ever finish under Ashley came in 2011/12, as Newcastle finished fifth with Alan Pardew in charge. Shrewd purchases like Demba Ba and Papiss Cissé fired the Magpies up the league as the club qualified for Europe.