Source: SKY_Sports
Ashley wants £100million
Newcastle United's board has confirmed that chairman Mike Ashley has put a £100million asking price on the club.
Ashley is believed to be close to ending his expensive and ultimately disastrous association having now set a figure that represents a huge loss on his initial investment.
More than a week after it emerged that Ashley was looking to get out for the second time since he took control, the Magpies issued an official statement setting a price as Keith Harris, chairman of investment bankers Seymour Pierce, continued his search for buyers.
The statement read: "The board of Newcastle United can today confirm that the club is for sale at the price of £100million.
"Interested parties should contact Newcastle United at admin@nufc.co.uk (or Keith Harris at Seymour Pierce) for further details.
"The club will not be making any further comment at the present time."
Interested parties are said to be former chairman Freddie Shepherd and a group from the Middle East.
One man who will be monitoring the possible takeover is Alan Shearer.
It is believed that Shearer will have to wait until Ashley sells the club before he finds out whether he will be appointed as manager on a full-time basis.
Fans favourite
Shepherd is expected to appoint the Magpies legend should his bid prove to be successful and Harris can see the advantages of appointing Shearer as boss.
"Shearer is obviously a very charismatic figure in the area and Newcastle need some local interest," he said.
Shearer, who was appointed on a temporary basis by Ashley with just eight games to go last season, was charged with saving the chairman's and the club's skin with the Magpies deep in relegation trouble.
The former Toon striker was ultimately unsuccessful in his attempt to save his boyhood club from the drop but fans are said to be holding out on buying season tickets for next season until they know who is in charge.
Shearer is thought to be frustrated with the situation and is expected to meet with Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias on Tuesday, but he is expected to be told a decision over his future cannot be made until the takeover is complete.