Newcastle United owner, Mike Ashley on Monday confirmed he has put up the English Premier League club for sale.
A statement on the club’s website reported that Mike Ashley is going to sell Newcastle,
The owner had, according to the Telegraph, informed Coach Rafael Benitez some time ago of this development, apparently five weeks.
“As a result of increasing press speculation regarding the future of Newcastle United, the owner of the club, St James Holdings Limited, wishes to clarify its intentions.
“As one of the Premier League’s oldest and best supported football clubs – and for the benefit of its many fans and supporters in the UK and across the world – Newcastle United requires a clear direction and a path to a bright and successful future.
This development is not a major surprise, considering the club owner’s tendency to not want to overspend, having put in a lot of his own money early on to keep the club afloat. The Magpies have, however, been relegated twice on his watch now.
“To give the club the best possible opportunity of securing the positioning and investment necessary to take it to the next level, at what is an important time in its history, its present ownership has determined that it is in the best interests of Newcastle United and its fans for the club to be put up for sale.”
Mike Ashley is hoping to conclude a deal by Christmas.
Financier Amanda Staveley, 44, is a potential suitor, according to BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter Ian Dennis, after being seen watching Newcastle’s 1-1 home draw against Liverpool earlier this month.
“It was clearly a signal of intent from her and her company,” Dennis added. “However, it is now a case of making sure the price is right for all parties.”
