Controversial ex-football club owner expresses doubts over latest Newcastle United takeover saga

Jordan, speaking to TalksSport about the latest Magpies takeover saga, called on Ashley to take the money and end his “miserable” 14 years at St James's Park.

However, Jordan believes there is no money to be considered by the Saudi party, who are led by Amanda Staveley.

“Without getting into details I don’t think Mike pulls out of deals (for the club). I don’t think the cheque is on the table to do a deal,” said Jordan.

“I’ve always thought that if someone wants to pay the price he wants for it – and I’ve always thought that’s between £300 and £400million – if they write a cheque I’d be very, very surprised if he didn’t take it.”

Jordan had a message for supporters pleading for the Sports Direct tycoon to sell by reiterating his doubts about the latest takeover bid.

He added: “I’m not defending Mike. First of all, you don’t see many big clubs being sold these days.

“You see clubs in distress being sold, ie Aston Villa. No-one knows what they paid and the structure of it until they come through the door.

“I just think that if the deal is real and it’s put to Mike Ashley then you will find out factually from the supposed buyers.

“You hear a deal fell apart but you don’t hear people call Ashley out and say ‘We put £350million on the table’. When do you hear that conversation?

“You can hear Newcastle fans saying ‘You told us you’d sell the club and you haven’t’. But Mike’s not in that position and I don’t think he’s going to be put in that position. I don’t think this deal will happen.

“If I was Mike and the money was put on the table I’d probably take it. I don’t see a reason for him to be involved. It’s been 14 years of his life that have probably been a bit of a misery.”