Mike Ashley claims victory in legal fight over alleged £15m deal

Newcastle United owner and Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has claimed a “comprehensive victory” in his High Court battle with an investment banker over a £15 million deal allegedly made in a London pub.

Investment banker Jeffrey Blue told a judge that Mr Ashley promised to pay him £15m if he used his expertise to double Sports Direct’s share price to £8 a share.

He said Mr Ashley paid 0 Mike Ashley is in a court fight over an alleged pub deal only £1m and he wanted £14m damages.

Mr Ashley denied the claim and said Mr Blue was talking ‘’nonsense’’.

Mr Justice Leggatt heard that the dispute centred on a conversation in the Horse and Groom pub in Great Portland Street, central London, four years ago.

The judge, who analysed evidence at a High Court trial in London this month, yesterday dismissed Mr Blue’s claim.

He said no-one at the pub would have thought any offer Mr Ashley made was serious.

The judge said Mr Blue may have borne a grudge against Mr Ashley.

Mr Ashley was not in court to hear the judge deliver his ruling. A barrister leading his legal team said he has won a “comprehensive victory”.