Graeme Souness believes owner Mike Ashley has “wanted out” of Newcastle for some time and claims his departure will be welcomed by every supporter of the Premier League club.
Sky Sports reported on Tuesday PCP Capital Partners are in advanced talks with Ashley to end his 13-year tenure as owner of Newcastle, according to sources directly involved in the takeover.
Graeme Souness believes owner Mike Ashley has “wanted out” of Newcastle for some time and claims his departure will be welcomed by every supporter of the Premier League club.
“Generally with these things, if they’re serious you don’t hear about them but this has dragged on for an enormous amount of time.
“Ashley was seen as a saviour going in there – an extremely wealthy man, but as wealthy as he is, the Premier League is a very expensive place to operate in today if you’re looking to spend your own money.
“He quickly realised that, so he’s been looking for someone to come in with fresh investment to take Newcastle back to where they think they should be, which is the top end of the league and maybe getting back into the Champions League.
“It will be welcomed by every Newcastle supporter and I think even Ashley wants out. He’s made it plain that if someone comes up with the right price, he’d be out of there.”
It was reported in January that Amanda Staveley’s PCP Partners and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) were in talks to buy Newcastle. It is unclear as to why there is no mention of PIF in any of the Companies House documentation.