The Sun says Ashley's people have approached a third-party financing firm called PCP in a bid to get Dubai Investment Capital to switch targets from Anfield to St James' Park.

They were told Newcastle was available for £300million but word came back that DIC were not interested.

Despite the knockback it seems clear that Ashley wants out.

The multi-millionaire sportswear mogul bought the club last summer for £130m and took on debts of around £100m.

A Toon insider said: "If Ashley is serious about selling there will be plenty of interest - but possibly not at the price."