Mike Ashley's just told Sky News he's "hopeful" he'll complete the sale of Newcastle United for the sake of its fans. Possible, though not likely, to be sold before January transfer window – which Ashley would like.
Claims to be in talks with at least one potential buyer.
Mike Ashley said: "I am hopeful – for the Newcastle fans, for the club, for everybody, that I will be able to step aside and we will be able to get an owner in that will please everybody... I'd like it to be before the January transfer window."
Asked it that was realistic, Mike Ashley replied: "Realistic? It's possible. Realistic is maybe too strong a word. Hopefully, we can carry on the good form – the just recent good form – and we can get the deal done."
Asked if he was in exclusive talks with someone, Mike Ashley said no. "But talks are at a more progressed stage than they have ever been.
And, asked if the new owner would need to put in transfer funds for the manager Rafa Benitez, Mike Ashley said: "Yes I'm very keen to sell it to the right buyer so that everybody's happy, That would be good news."
Source: Kevin Rawlinson Reporter at the The Guardian
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