OPINION
Newcastle United fans were no doubt delighted when they heard news of a potential takeover bid – after all, it meant that they would finally be rid of owner Mike Ashley.
It would have meant that his stinginess and reluctance to provide adequate funds for the transfers of players would come to an end, however, that could now not be more different.
The Daily Mail have reported that Ashley has all but conceded defeat in his efforts to sell the club, so he will now continue assuming that he is still the owner.
Just the news that the supporters would not have been wanting to hear.
The report adds that this should be good news for manager Rafa Benitez, but who knows whether the Sports Direct tycoon will be generous enough to provide the Spaniard with a transfer kitty in order to sign the players he needs to bring in.
With the threat of relegation looming, you would have thought that would be a no-brainer – until you cast your mind back to last January’s transfer window and the lack of signings that followed.
Benitez is in desperate need for a left-back, winger and attacking midfielder, but they are not going to come anytime soon now that Ashley is set to remain as the owner.
He has not given up on a deal for Atlanta ace Miguel Almiron – but seeing as Benitez does not know how much he has to spend, that is a move that does not look likely to materialise.
Relegation is becoming an ever-realistic prospect for the Magpies – and after this latest update, it is looming closer than ever.