Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Magpies in Dubai sale talks

17 Sep 2008 - 07:45:24

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Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reported to be holding talks with a group of Dubai-based investors over taking the club off his hands.

Ashley confirmed his intention to find a new owner for the Magpies following the demonstrations by supporters which overshadowed last weekend's defeat to Hull City at St James' Park.

Angry fans called for Ashley and director of football Dennis Wise to leave following Kevin Keegan's decision to resign as manager over a lack of transfer control.

Reports claim Ashley has approached Zabeel Investments - a group believed to be backed by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum - over a potential £480million sale.

Meanwhile, recent signing Xisco has spoken of his surprise at the level of opposition to the club's owners after making a goalscoring debut against Hull at the weekend.

"The players are on the outskirts of all this and these are things that don't help the team," the Spain Under-21 striker told Marca.

"We have to try to remain focused and play well in the games ahead. Then, when things are sorted, then we'll look at it.

"It was a feeling that I had never experienced before. I have seen few places so animated.

"It's a pity that we couldn't win the game because then my debut would have been perfect.

"I'm happy to have scored a goal but the joy wasn't complete."