Newcastle United sale update: Murat Ulker NOT among bidders for club

A representative of the Turkish billionaire today claimed that he was interested in buying the club, which was yesterday formally put up for sale by owner Mike Ashley.

Tom McLoughlin told the Evening Standard: "The Ulker family have substantial assets and significant investments already in the UK.

“We understand football and our initial specific target would be to make Newcastle a solid top-six club and a permanent feature in Europe with a popular local and worldwide following.”

The report states that Ulker's representatives "have been talking to Ashley’s advisers since early this year."

However, the Gazette understands that Ulker has not had talks with any senior officials at the club – or the lawyers handling the sale on behalf of Ashley.

If Ulker wants to discuss a deal, he would have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

The Standard claim he is prepared to pay £220million for the club, which is valued at closer to £380million by Ashley.