Newcastle United chief scout Graham Carr has no doubts about the passion for the club of owner Mike Ashley.
He points to regular meetings with Ashley, managing director Derek Llambias and club secretary Lee Charnley as evidence that scouting and recruitment are near the top of the owner's agenda.
"The owner and the senior staff are very much interested," he told the Sunday Sun.
"I work very closely with Derek Llambias, Lee Charnley as well as the manager and Mike Ashley.
"I have regular meetings with the owner - I have met him on loads of occasions. It is good for me that there is interest in bringing players in.
"I know what the perception is outside of the club but he strikes me as a passionate man who is very committed to Newcastle United.
"They are knowledgeable. It's amazing how interested they are really."
