Mike Ashley has knocked around £80m off his asking price for Newcastle United, according to the Shields Gazette.
As it approaches a year of Ashley trying to sell the Magpies without success, the Gazette report that Ashley is willing to listen to offers around £300m, down from £380m.
What’s the story?
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Mike Ashley, owner of Newcastle United and Lee Charnley, managing director of Newcastle United both look on from the stands during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Barnsley at St James’ Park on May 7, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle have been up for sale for 11 months now and Ashley has still had no luck finding a buyer. Talks with Amanda Staveley over a £250m purchase were branded a ‘waste of time’ after collapsing in January.
With no other leads on the horizon and fan dissatisfaction growing by the day, Ashley has decided to take a hit.
There was a stand-off between Ashley and Rafa Benitez in the summer and of course, in the eyes of the fans, there is rightly only going to be one winner.
Is fan action working?
during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on September 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
After yet another protest before this weekend’s game against Arsenal, Ashley’s decision may be proof that the fan movement is slowly beginning to get his attention.
Of course, the supporters may not rest until Ashley is out of the club; they will only believe he genuinely wants to sell once he’s signed on the dotted line.
But it may well provide a glimmer of hope; a welcome one, especially given the difficult run of fixtures at the start of the season which has only plundered a single point.