NUFC reporter reveals the 'arrangement' Mike Ashley has in place ahead of a possible takeover bid
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle United are STILL up for sale despite Mike Ashley's return to the scene at St James' Park, claiming there's now an 'arrangement' in place for a 'smooth sale' should anyone match the £300m asking price.
In all honesty, it's hard to know what to believe anymore when it comes to a potential takeover.
It would be nice if this was true, with this suggesting that a deal could be done quickly if someone comes along and submits an acceptable offer, however there'll be many cynics who refuse to believe that Ashley actually wants to sell - and I don't blame you if you're one of those.
Here's a snippet from the Chronicle's latest piece on the takeover front - claiming Ashley's return does NOT mean that he's no longer interested in selling the club:
"Mike Ashley is firmly back on the scene at Newcastle United - but the club remains up for sale.
"The Toon owner was in the stands for the 1-0 win over Watford and then ventured down to the dressing room area to congratulate both Rafa Benitez and his players.
"But the club has still been prepped for a sale and the company set up - St James Holdings - by Ashley are still receptive to offers.
"The Chronicle understands that an arrangement is in place for a smooth sale process if any potential bidders can come up with the asking price for United.
"The club is valued at around £300million mark and the loans that Ashley has pumped into the club are not believed to be deemed as hidden costs."
IF this is true, a good run between now and the new year could be massive for potential investors.
Why? Because anyone who's even considering a takeover bid would A) want to takeover a club looking like they'll stay up and B) would like to have the power to spend in January should we be needing extra investment.
What do you make of this folks? Could someone come in and take the club off Ashley's hands if a £300m offer arrived, or do you think Ashley's here to stay?
