Ashley admitted in the Newcastle football club magazine that he is keen for investors to come forward and join him.

"My stance is simple. Am I looking to sell up? No. Would I like partners in Newcastle United? Of course," Ashley said.

"If you are interested in football, then you should be looking closely at what is happening at QPR.

"I'm not sure that even Roman Abramovich can compare with the combined wealth of the group of Billionaires they have in charge there now.

"So when you are Mike Ashley at Newcastle United, then of course you would think partners would make sense."