Mike Ashley was surprised to hear fresh takeover stories about Newcastle United ahead of their clash against Leicester City on Saturday, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
Sky News had reported earlier in the day that former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had been in talks with Ashley about buying the Tyneside club having sourced investors for a takeover at St James’ Park.
However it is understood that no official approach has been made as of yet, but Ashley is open to offers having put the club up for sale a year ago.
OPINION
Newcastle fans will be praying that this comes true because Ashley’s time at St James’ Park needs to end in order for this great club to succeed. In over a decade in charge of the Tynesiders, Ashley has overseen two relegations from the Premier League, with a third one extremely likely given the way that Rafa Benitez’s men have started this season. The Sport Direct owner has failed to back Benitez in the transfer market and with the Spaniard’s contract running out at the end of the campaign, it is likely that Newcastle could struggle next year, regardless of whether they stay up or go down. Kenyon is a very experienced leader in the Premier League. He was on the board of directors at Old Trafford during one of Man United’s most successful eras and also helped Chelsea become the Premier League titans they are today. Will be be a good club owner? Well, he can’t be any worse than Ashley.