Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has told his friends he is willing to do a takeover deal worth a revised price of £300million so long as there are no clauses or additional extras included, according to reliable journalist Mark Douglas.
The Chronicle writer, a reputable source of information surrounding the Magpies, claimed in a live question and answer blog (16:36) on the newspaper’s website that the British businessman is keen to get away from the footballing world and has cut nearly £100million off his reported asking price earlier this year, but that it must be a no strings attached sale.
The journalist’s report also states that two parties are still interested in doing a deal with Ashley to takeover the club, including Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners.
Opinion
Takeover talk has failed to simmer down ever since it rose its head nearly 12 months ago but this might just be the most significant development in recent months. The £300-£400million asking price which was claimed earlier in the year seemed above and beyond what the club are worth but considering their 10th placed finish in the Premier League last season, Ashley might have thought he had grounds to demand such a fee. Now, with the Magpies struggling in the top flight, it appears he is ready to cut his losses and get out of Tyneside for good. The fact he is looking for a no strings attached deal means that once he is out, the Toon Army can celebrate, but it also puts a lot of pressure on prospective buyers to pay out a lump sum without any meaningful negotiations. This could be an exciting update for the Newcastle faithful, who will be desperate to see the back of Ashley, but at the same time it requires someone to meet his asking price.