As per The London Economic, sources close to Newcastle have revealed that the plans of club billionaire owner Mike Ashley to sanction a sale are nothing but a means to prevent spending during the January transfer window.
Emerging reports claim takeover expert Amanda Staveley is in advanced talks with the Saint James’ Park outfit over a £350million deal, with Ashley looking to have new owners take over from him before 2018.
However, weeks have gone by with no breakthrough in view, and it’s believed Ashley might be looking to use continued speculations over ownership as an escape route, as he won’t be obligated to provide funds by January if takeover talks are still ongoing.
The club released only £35million for manager Rafa Benitez during the summer transfer window, and Ashley afterwards claimed he’s no longer willing to invest in the club.
It’s not the first, second or third time Newcastle have been put up for sale, with efforts made in 2008, 2009 and 2015 in varying degrees.
Benitez is said to be looking to spend heavily in January, and has met with head of recruitment Steve Nickson to reveal his plans.
However, it could be another frustrating window for the Spaniard if Ashley’s plans to evade spending are indeed true.
