Newcastle United fans are angry over the prospect of Wonga becoming new shirt sponsors.

The Mirror says Mike Ashley has agreed a deal of around £5million for Wonga to be the Toon's shirt sponsors.

The controversial company, already sponsors of Championship club Blackpool and top Scottish side Hearts, offer short-term loans at an APR of 4,214 per cent.

Newcastle supporter Michael Martin, editor of the True Faith fanzine, warned he was "close to breaking point".

He said: "The people who run Newcastle, for the fans, have a social responsibility.

"I would love them to honestly answer one question: Would you, Mike Ashley, seriously recommend borrowing money from Wonga at those interest rates? If you can't answer yes then they shouldn't be our shirt sponsors.

"Newcastle is being used to normalise their product. It cheapens and tarnishes the Newcastle United brand. I wouldn't want my logo next to them, so what do other sponsors think?

"This is close to breaking point for me, the one that breaks the camel's back."

Local MP Ian Lavery has pledged to send his season tickets back if, as expected, the sponsorship deal goes through imminently.

Lavery branded Wonga "financial predators who make their money from people suffering from unemployment, low wages and in the greatest financial need."