But if that news alone wasn’t shocking enough, supporters have also been stunned by the identity of the rumoured buyer.
The Sun reported yesterday that contracts had been signed between Ashley and Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan, a cousin of Manchester City’s Sheikh Mansour.
Sheikh Khaled is a senior member of the Abu Dhabi Royal family and a Dubai-based billionaire.
He reportedly attempted a £2bn takeover of Liverpool last year, but Newcastle would pose a much cheaper Premier League option.
The Sun’s report claims that a sale of £350m has been agreed between Ashley and the Sheikh, but updates have slowed down in the last few hours.
Many are of course sceptical, especially as the club has seen two takeover attempts fail over the past two seasons.
Amanda Staveley and Peter Kenyon both saw discussions with Mike Ashley peter out, and a lot of fans expect the same outcome for this story.
But the prospect of a new multi-billionaire owner has meant some have been unable to keep a level head.
Any truth in the takeover would see the Toon become a footballing powerhouse within a few seasons.
Although most have reacted with tongues firmly in cheek, there’s no denying that such a takeover would be the stuff of dreams for any Toon supporter.
Newcastle fans react to Sheikh Khaled reports
https://twitter.com/AdamNUFC_/status/1132961020228636672
https://twitter.com/Maximillius001/status/1132787857066741765
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