Football fixer Keith Harris is confident of finding a buyer for Newcastle United.
The Mail on Sunday says Harris is optimistic about arranging a deal now that Mike Ashley has decided to cut his losses by dropping the asking price. But the servicing of a £40m debt, as well as another £60m in players' contracts, pushes the figure to double the £100m Ashley is now willing to accept and there are not many potential purchasers around.
Ashley's best hope appears to be an Omani-based consortium, who have expressed an interest in the club, but now the issue is not just who might accommodate him but how quickly it can be done.
The supporters are already voting with their pockets; season-ticket sales are almost non-existent, adding to the financial mess which will make Newcastle an even less attractive proposition.
This is Ashley's second attempt at putting the club on the market. Last time there were no takers and unless Harris finds a wealthy benefactor very soon, the sports goods entrepreneur may be forced to limp on as owner.