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Statement released: Mike Ashley officially puts Newcastle United up for sale

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has said he wants to sell the Premier League football club by Christmas.

Ashley, who bought the club 10 years ago for £134m, is reported to want £340m in return and has confirmed staggered payments will be acceptable.

As a result of increasing press speculation, St James Holdings Limited released a statement to clarify Ashley’s intentions:

‘As one of the Premier League’s oldest and best supported football clubs - and for the benefit of its many fans and supporters in the UK and across the world - Newcastle United requires a clear direction and a path to a bright and successful future.

To give the club the best possible opportunity of securing the positioning and investment necessary to take it to the next level, at what is an important time in its history, its present ownership has determined that it is in the best interests of Newcastle United and its fans for the club to be put up for sale.

To give an incoming owner the maximum possible flexibility to make meaningful investment in the club, including in its playing squad, the sale process will give interested parties the opportunity of deferring substantial payments.

A process will now commence of identifying new ownership for the club that will be capable of delivering the sustained investment in and dedication to the club that is necessary for it to achieve its ambitions.’

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