Yanks Pull Out - Now There's A Surprise!

Mr Anschutz, the man credited with taking David Beckham to LA Galaxy, was reported to be one of two parties interested in a Toon takeover.

But the billionaire, whose AEG company owns London's O2 Arena, moved quickly to issue a statement, which said: "Neither AEG nor anyone affiliated with the organisation is contemplating the purchase of Newcastle United Football Club."