One report on Friday suggested American private equity fund InterMedia Partners had been told the business was available for that figure, some £286million more than the billionaire paid for it a year ago.

However, a club spokesman said: "It is absolute nonsense."

In the past, the word from St James' Park has always been that Ashley is building for a sustained future and is not looking to make a quick profit and then get out.

However, that has not stopped repeated talk in the City, and now further afield, that the business is for sale at the right price.