Ashley talking to credible potential buyers for Newcastle, says owner's lawyer

Mike Ashley's lawyer says the Newcastle owner is engaging with a number of new and credible parties regarding to a prospective buy-out of the Premier League club.Ashley declared his intention to sell up on Monday evening and is believed to be keen to end his tempestuous 10-year association with the club as quickly as possible.Claims of increased interest come at the same time as unconfirmed reports that Amanda Staveley, one of the potential buyers, has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Magpies.In a brief statement, Ashley's London lawyer Andrew Henderson said: "Since Monday, a number of additional parties have come forward which we believe to be credible. "We are continuing to engage in conversation with a number of parties with whom we were engaged in negotiations prior to Monday's announcement." Staveley, who is said to control around £28billion of Middle East money through PCP Capital Partners, is known to be keen to invest in an English top-flight football club. She met club officials after attending the 1-1 Premier League draw with Liverpool at St James' Park on October 1, although there has as yet been no public expression of interest. A number of other reported bids, in particular reported interest from Turkey, have either been dismissed or publicly refuted. Sports Direct chief Ashley bought the club for £134.4million in 2007 and estimates suggest he is looking for somewhere between £300m and £450m to relinquish control.

Source: PA