MIKE ASHLEY met with two Mexican businessmen over the sale of Newcastle United — after they had watched a movie about the club.
According to reports, a pair of men from the country met with the under-fire Sports Direct founder, who has been looking to sell the Magpies for over a year.
The two men were interested in the club after watching the 2006 movie Goal! about a footballer from Los Angeles who signs for the Toon after being spotted by a scout.
Ashley bought the club in 2007, two years after the release of the film, after buying Sir John Hall’s 41.6 per cent stake, sparking a takeover of the entire organisation.
But he has come under huge criticism from the St James’ faithful after steering Newcastle to two relegations from the top flight.
Fortunately for him, they have bounced back into the megabucks Premier League again and he has had one stint in Europe under Alan Pardew in 2012-13.
According to the Athletic, Ashley was “rude” and nothing came of their chat.
While Ashley is willing to sell the club, his price is his price, and he is not willing to drop below his valuation.
The Toon are currently in the Prem relegation zone, despite beating Manchester United 1-0 at St James’ Park before the international break.
Steve Bruce’s side lost 1-0 to Chelsea on Saturday and were perhaps unlucky to fall to Marcos Alonso’s winner on 73 minutes.
Ashley has been widely panned for his ownership of Newcastle — with his latest critic including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
