Wise: Mike will sell when the deal suits
DENNIS Wise has suggested that Mike Ashley is prepared to spend money this January – and insists he will sell the club to the right bidder.
The controversial former Toon transfer chief remains close to Ashley and has spoken in defence of the Newcastle United owner via Sky Sports’ The Debate show.
In a week that has resulted in Ashley pulling the plug on Amanda Staveley’s bid for the Magpies, Wise has tried to give an insight into the Buckinghamshire tycoon’s outlook.
He said: “You’ve got a TV deal coming soon.
“He could have done the deal now if the right deal came along and (the people who bought it) could have benefited from it further down the line.
“Looking at that football club, where it is now, is a decent price to buy at round about £250million to £300million.
“Looking at Mike’s point of view here, if someone is telling you they have a buyer and they’re going to put in this or that.
“I know how he works: ‘Put that in an escrow account, put it there, show me where you are and we can do a deal,’
“He would do a deal, knowing him, where he would spread it (the costs) if he felt it was a good deal for that football club. “He’s a businessman who makes decisions that always come off – well, not always, some have been mistakes and he does make some. “But his businesses thrive, they go forward.
“He’s not going to allow this to fall flat.
“He’s not going to sell it to someone who will not allow the football club to go forward.
“He’s obviously taken it to where he thinks he can take it.
“He mentioned on an interview what he’s up against.
“He’s up against countries. He also mentioned his wealth is in paper, as well and yes he’s got money but a lot of his money is in paper.
“The club has got a clean bill of health the way that it’s going, it’s going very well structured. So put in what you need to.
He’s not going to sell it to someone who will not allow the football club to go forward Dennis Wise