Mike Ashley’s Reign Of Terror At Newcastle Could Be Coming To An End

Mike Ashley’s decade-long spell as Newcastle United owner could soon be coming to an end.

The Sports Direct businessman is in talks with Chinese investors regarding investment in the newly-promoted club, with a number of options being considered including a full takeover.

BREAKING: We understand NUFC have received significant interest in recent weeks from foreign investors – including one party from China.

— Keith Downie ? (@SkySports_Keith) June 12, 2017

We believe Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is now considering all options available amidst real interest from Chinese investors.

— Keith Downie ? (@SkySports_Keith) June 12, 2017

Multiple sources are now suggesting that Ashley entered into these talks a month ago, and that manager Rafa Benitez is fully aware of proceedings.

However, while Chinese investment is a distinct possibility, a full takeover would be that bit more complicated. Firstly, Ashley is not actively looking to sell right now. Newcastle are in a healthy financial position at the moment, have just achieved promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking and are able to offer Benitez significant funds to strengthen the playing squad in the summer.

Secondly, an asking price of £400m, nearly four times the £134m Ashley paid for the club in 2007, would be offputting for a lot of potential buyers.

Should a full buyer be found, it would bring to an end a turbulent period of Newcastle’s history. Since taking the reins in 2007, Ashley has overseen two relegations and any number of PR disasters.

Newcastle themselves have not commented on the matter (though they are not dismissing it either, which is telling), but their fans don’t exactly seem distraught at the prospect of a change in ownership…

Mike Ashley might be selling to Chinese investors! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/QaHUoDI4UZ

— Adam (@AdamLittle99) June 12, 2017

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Former Cork City defender Neal Horgan joined us in studio this week on the Mixer Irish Football Podcast to dissect Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Austria last weekend.