Newcastle United board member Bob Moncur insists owner Mike Ashley will spend big this summer.

Moncur was part of talks this week with Lee Charnley, Steve McClaren and Graham Carr that were aimed at moving United's summer plans forward.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "The starting point for that final day was the owner going on TV. That was great. All the lounges, everything stopped when he went on the telly. I think that was great and even last week I was speaking to people saying it's given them a lift.

“People have this image of Mike Ashley but I'm fortunate that when I go to away games I sometimes speak to him. He's nothing like he's painted to be.

“He's quite a funny bloke and he's honest and upfront. He's got a passion – I know people say he's got no passion for the club, but he has.

“The fact he went on TV and said he's got a passion for the club and he wants success was good. I have known that for some time but the problem you have is when you try to tell people who don't know what he's like, it's hard to convince them."