NUFC reporter reveals what 'senior sources' have now admitted about a potential takeover

According to The Chronicle, 'senior sources' at Newcastle United have admitted that they're now working on the basis that Mike Ashley will remain at the club for the foreseeable future - with a sale not expected 'any time soon'.

They insist that it's been made clear 'privately' that the club is still on the market and 'up for sale' and do admit that a sale could yet go through 'quickly and quietly', however there is currently 'no indication' that this is about to happen.

Here's the question that was asked to NUFC reporter Chris Waugh during The Chronicle's latest Q&A today:

Q: "As far as a takeover is concerned, where are we at with it? Are there any other interested parties?"

"The soundings have always been that there are some people who have registered an interest in buying the club - not only from Newcastle themselves, but from other sources too - though it has not yet turned into a concrete offer.

"There is a significant difference between registering an interest and making that into some sort of formal bid to buy the club - and, Amanda Staveley aside, nothing seems to have materialised takeover wise.

"The official line from the club, and even privately, is that Newcastle remains for sale an on the market.

"Crucially, however, senior sources have admitted they are working on the basis that Mike Ashley will remain owner in the medium term. That is because they do not foresee a sale happening any time soon.

"As we have said numerous times, football-club sales tend to go through quickly and quietly - so all of this could change at any moment, but there is no indication that is about to happen I’m afraid."

Not exactly what we wanted to hear, but what else do we expect when the 'interested' parties don't firm up their interest.

For as long as there's 'interest', there's hope, but for as long as Ashley sets unrealistic asking prices, there's fear that he'll remain beyond the expiration of Rafa's current contract.

Do you see a sale happening between now and next summer folks?

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