Mike Ashley ready to revise his asking price for Newcastle
Mike Ashley's still looking for a buyer for Newcastle United '“ but he's less inclined to do a cut-price deal.
Ashley broke off talks with would-be buyer Amanda Staveley early this year.
A report over the weekend claimed that Staveley’s proposed takeover of the Premier League club was “back on” following what were described as “constructive talks”.
However, the Gazette understands that little has changed.
United were in danger of being relegated when Staveley was in talks with Ashley late last year. A source close to Ashley described the discussions as “exhausting, frustrating and a complete waste of time” in January.
Staveley insisted her interest was genuine. She said at the time: “I’m very much still interested in buying Newcastle – our bid remains on the table. The suggestion that we were either wasting time or not serious is absurd.”
Staveley could attempt to restart talks now the club, which is 10th in the Premier League, has all but secured its top-flight status.
Ashley had been prepared to take around £300million for the club while its top-flight status was in jeopardy.
But the club is in a very different position now – and Ashley will want any sale price to reflect this.
New multi-billion pound TV deals have also been agreed since Ashley formally put the club on the market last October.