Source: Daily_Mail
Shearer lined up for St James' return as Ashley nears deal to sell Newcastle
Mike Ashley's protracted sale of Newcastle may be reaching a conclusion four months after the beleaguered owner put the club back on the market.
There was fresh optimism last night that would-be buyer Barry Moat has found the backing to convince Barclays Bank that he can fund a takeover, which would lead to the return of Alan Shearer to St James' Park as manager.
Moat has to demonstrate to Shearer that he has money for team building, as well as to buy from Ashley.
Newcastle released a statement on Friday saying 'all parties involved are at sale and purchase stage', and now senior staff at the club have been told to brace themselves 'for a big week'.
Moat, who is unlikely to pay the £100million asking price, had run into trouble funding his bid when Barclays told him they would not maintain Newcastle's estimated £39m overdraft facility.
It was thought Barclays wanted this cut to £25m but it is understood the bank's demand was for the overdraft to be reduced to £10m.
Moat has spent the time since trying to find the required investment and now looks to be on the brink of success.
