Magpies reject takeover talk

[bawan 0]

Newcastle United have distanced themselves from reports that have suggested billionaire owner Mike Ashley could be ready to sell, just months into his regime at St James' Park.

 

Reports emanating from Iceland have suggested Ashley has been in talks with potential new investors Palmi Haraldsson and Jon Asgeir Johannesson, with a £135million takeover mooted.

 

While Ashley and his associates have yet to pass comment on such talk, a Newcastle club spokesman has moved quickly to issue a statement, in a bid to put the rumours to bed: "These stories are complete news to the club."

 

Ashley only completed a £134.4million buy-out of the club in June, but there have been repeated reports of a desire to cash in quickly on his investment.

 

Chris Mort installed as chairman by Ashley following Freddy Shepherd's departure, has spoken in length of long-terms plans that have been put in place by the club's new hierarchy.

 

Widespread reports have claimed Ashley invested a further £30million last week, in a bid to make inroads into the £80million debt he inherited when purchasing the club.

 

A Chinese consortium were linked earlier in the summer with a potential takeover but the timing of any sale seems questionable, given the battles Ashley fought in order to persuade the Hall family to part with their 41.6 per cent holding in return for £55million.

 

The Jersey-based Belgravia Group and the Polygon-backed St James' Park Group both failed where Ashley succeeded, but it remains to be seen whether he elects to make his tenure one of longevity or of more transient proportions.

[Lazarus 0]

Complete bollocks.

 

Ashleys spent what:

 

135m buying the club

30m on reducing the debt

20m (ish) on transfers, wages and compensation to bolton etc etc

 

I seriously doubt that ashley would sell up for a 'mere' 10m or so profit.

[David Kelly 1280]

In the world of Newcastle United nothing would surprise me.