According to an ‘exclusive’ from the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Mike Ashley is now ready to finalise the sale of Newcastle United.
He claims that sources within Sports Direct have told Sportsmail that Ashley ‘wants done with’ Newcastle United – and will sell up once Amanda Staveley and the Saudi PIF stump up the cash to complete a deal.
The piece recognises that both parties have submitted paperwork to the Premier League, stating it’s a clear step in the right direction, but states that the league will only be ‘interested’ if Mike Ashley notifies them that a deal has been agreed – thus allowing the takeover process to officially begin.
Bizarrely, Hope’s piece for the Daily Mail also claims that sources close to Ashley have joked that he’s been ‘walking down his driveway and opening his mailbox every morning only to find no cheque inside’ – suggesting he’s just waiting to receive their firm offer.
The report also states that the coronavirus crisis could see Ashley’s alleged £340m asking price come down, with Staveley’s group likely to agree a fee below this figure.
Hope also claims that those close to Staveley remain hopeful of striking a deal with Justin Barnes – who’s been left in charge of matters by Mike Ashley – stating she has devised a ‘long term’ business plan for the club.
So, Ashley ‘wants done’ with us? The feeling is mutual, Mike!
Let’s hope Staveley can step in and be our saviour, to not only end this miserable reign but the draining takeover rumours that come with it!
