Amid speculation of Toon takeover interest by Chinese consortium, United owner ready to consider bids ASHLEY OPEN TO OFFERS

OWNER ‘MAY ALSO CONSIDER OFFERING SHARES

NEWCASTLE United are believed to be open to bids from potential overseas investors.

The Chronicle understands that Mike Ashley IS open to a possible takeover and a Chinese consortium have been credited with an interest in the club.

We have also learned that the Toon owner may consider offering a share of the club which could see the current regime remain on board to begin with.

But as it stands, the club aren’t in a position to respond to talk of a takeover and a Newcastle spokesperson simply said: “no comment” when approached by the Chronicle last night.

United, though, have been quick to knock down talk of any takeovers before, which suggests the club could well be up for grabs if Ashley gets the right price.

Sky Sports have made a claim that a Chinese consortium have an interest in buying United and that Ashley is considering “all options” available to him.

The Magpies have twice been up for sale during Ashley’s tenure at the club, but the club did not manage to find a suitable buyer.

Ashley paid £134million for the club in 2007 and he has also injected interestfree loans into the club during that time.

Last year Ashley made a £33million loan to the club to help deal with the effects of relegation from the Premier League.

The most recent accounts confirm that Mr Ashley and his companies were still owed £129m in loans.

With a huge fanbase and plenty of potential when it comes to shirt sales and merchandise revenue, the club could be a great investment for the right owner.

Ashley is due to mark a decade in charge at Newcastle later this week and, after two relegations in that time, some fans would welcome change.

The last time United were open to a takeover in 2009, Ashley withdrew plans to back manager Alan Shearer shortly after relegation.

Back then, Shearer put forward a rebuilding programme but never heard back from Ashley and the club was later put up for sale.