Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is willing to be patient over a potential new investment as he demands prospective parties demonstrate their financial intentions and intentions towards the club, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper report on their website that the multi-million pound businessman is in no rush to sell the North East side, which he purchased from Sir John Hall and Freddy Shepard back in 2007.
It claims that the Sports Direct man is firmly focused on ensuring the football club is adequately prepared for their return to the Premier League under manager Rafael Benitez, and that he would only consider selling if an investor proved they could improve the standing of the club.
The report says that Ashley will walk away from any talks if they cannot meet these demands.
The news comes after Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves reported on his official Twitter account on the 12th of June that Chinese investors were one of a number of international parties interested in investing in the club.
Major #nufc news on @SkySportsNewsHQ right now. Chinese investors interested in club. Mike Ashley considering all options.
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) June 12, 2017
Ashley’s time at St James’ Park has been nothing short of turbulent, the club having suffered two relegations and finished as high as fifth in the Premier League during his 10 years at the top, with mid-table finishes and relegation battles peppered among the remaining seasons.
He has publicly promised to back manager Benitez this summer by offering substantial transfer funds, a move which was positively received by fans after a number of questionable and controversial decisions made by the 52-year-old in the past.