Staveley group left stunned by Ashley

signings this month, he had pinned his faith in the takeover proving successful so he could land his top targets in the summer.

It now looks as if Ashley will be staying put, leaving Benitez considering his own position.

The Staveley camp has been left stunned by Ashley’s decision to walk away from talks. They insist they had submitted a written bid of £250million for the club in November and were looking to increase that to over £300m.

And after last month’s face-to-face talks with Ashley, Staveley was hopeful an agreement could be thrashed out.

Ashley, however, was unhappy with the fact the pair had been photographed emerging from a curry house in London and was not comfortable with the fact that much of their business was being played out in public.

According to Ashley, there was little prospect of the pair doing a deal. A source close to him said: “It is only right to let the fans know there is no deal on the table, or even under discussion, with Amanda Staveley and PCP. Attempts to reach a deal have proved exhausting, frustrating and a complete waste of time.”

The Newcastle owner announced last autumn that he wanted to sell up before Christmas but that deadline came and went with little progress having been made.

And before last night’s announcement, it appeared he was ready to wait until the Premier League’s latest television deal was announced before making a decision.

Now, though, the club officially remain on the market, it looks as if Ashley’s turbulent reign will drag on despite him not wanting to be there and fans desperately seeking his exit.

He admits he cannot finance Benitez’s ambitions and while he will sanction some business in the transfer market this month, it is more likely to be loans than major signings.

Crystal Palace defender Pape Souare looks poised to arrive on loan, although his move will not lessen either Benitez’s nor the fans’ relegation fears.