Ex-Newcastle United striker reacts to Mike Ashley's decision to sell club

Financier Amanda Staveley, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and David and Simon Reuben, has agreed a £300million deal for the club.

And former United striker Ferdinand said: “He’s gone in and put a load of money into the club, but it wasn’t a match made in heaven unfortunately, and there’s been a disgruntlement from day one.

“I think if this comes to a conclusion and there is a takeover, I think it’ll be in the best interests of everybody.

“Mike will have got what he wants for the club, and hopefully the club will have got the investors that they want to come into the club and hopefully turn it round and turn it back into one of the title contenders rather than one of the teams struggling near the foot of the table.”