A few Newcastle United fans have been reacting online to reports by the Chronicle that Mike Ashley is putting plans in place for 2020, after failing to make progress in any discussion over a takeover from the groups that expressed an interest in purchasing the club.
Ashley is still open to selling the Magpies and hand over control of the club should a new investor put forward a proposal that meets his asking price, but potential suitors are understood to have edged away as the transfer window nears.
The Dubai-based Bin Zayed Group were heavily linked with a takeover in the summer, while Peter Kenyon penned a written letter to Ashley as he acted as the middle-man for a US-based consortium, but discussions have now gone cold.
No progress is said to have been made by any allegedly interested group since the Mexican Orlegi Sports Group met with Ashley last month, leaving the Sports Direct owner preparing for the January market still in charge of the club.
Ashley has, supposedly, sanctioned funds for the winter window as the club aim to finalise their short-list for potential targets, while agents have put forward some “interesting” names.
Where do we need to improve in January?
Goalkeeper
Defence
Midfield
Forwards
Head coach Steve Bruce is due to meet with his talent-spotting team soon to discuss the players scouted across France, Belgium and Holland.
Ashley is also said to be keen to see more academy players come through the doors, and green-lighted Steve Harper’s return last week to offer Bruce and the club an extra opinion on where we are lacking in the Under 23s fold.
Here are some of the reactions offered to the Chronicle’s report…
What’s the ‘right price’?
— chris (@cbil1984) November 25, 2019
Why would he sell the club when he gets so much free global advertisement annually and millions of pounds simply for staying in the Premier League with minimal investment? He must be rubbing his hands. Easiest money he will ever make and no need to sell.
— Joe MacCabe (@joemaccabe) November 25, 2019
The question should be what has he done to justify his asking price?! Everything he’s done has negatively effected the brand and growth figures show we have slipped behind competitors who before he took over weren’t anywhere near us.
— woodsa (@danielpwood1) November 24, 2019
Hurry up n get out n sell up all I can say
— Blakey (@Blakey61901522) November 24, 2019
Transfer window soon?
— Joe Dimmer (@gothbotherer) November 24, 2019
We’ve got Brucie and now “the price is right”. What a coincidence.
— Shevas (@ShevasNUFC) November 24, 2019