Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is set to slash ticket prices next season.

The Sun says Ashley will slash season-ticket prices to head off a mass desertion by fans.

Hundreds of the Toon Army forked out £50 to cancel a commitment to last year's fixed-price, three-year ticket scheme.

And crowds have plummeted by 3,500 on average this season to 47,800.

Managing director Derek Llambias said: "Stick with the team, be strong and we'll get there."