Many Newcastle United fans have been criticising Mike Ashley after they accused him of making a quick buck following the latest interested party in buying the club.
Henry Mauriss, an American entrepreneur who runs Clear TV in the USA, is believed to have made a £350m bid to buy the Tyneside club from the retail tycoon.
This comes after a deal was agreed between Ashley and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) for £300m, but was put on hold due to piracy accusations which was looked into by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
What should be the #1 priority post-takeover?
Improve training facilities
Expand SJP
Squad overhaul
Replace Bruce
Chronicle Live revealed that Newcastle officials have told Mauriss that he must past a 5% deposit if he is to be considered a serious bidder to buy the club, after already pocketing a non-refundable payment from PIF.
As a result, supporters were left fuming by this report and made their feelings clear on social media. One fan said that Ashley will be “laughing all the way to the bank”, while another stated that he has struck again.
Mike Ashley strikes again.
— Lucas Barboza (@lulucasbarboza) June 17, 2020
Hope it’s not just a bluffing for more money
— نيوكاسل مع وليد ⚪️⚫️ (@LW_Newcastle) June 17, 2020
Is it refundable or is this Ashley’s latest money making scheme???
— samantha (@mumba88) June 17, 2020
He’ll get his Joelinton money back with all these deposits! His plan all along
— JamesAWatson (@JamesAWatson9) June 17, 2020
Ashley could walk away with £30m in deposits and still not sell the club. Mad that.
— ALMIRON ⚫⚪ (@Almironnufc) June 17, 2020
Ashley laughing to all the way to the bank when he pulls the plug on both and cashes in on £35m… https://t.co/boZd6YGPDF
— KTDT (@KTD89) June 17, 2020