Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley admits the club is up for sale.

Charnley confirmed to fans Mike Ashley is open to offers.

He said, “The club remains for sale.

"The owner wants a fair price and has been open to the dating of payments to achieve a sale.

"In addition the buyer must be someone, or a group, that can take the football club forward and support it financially better than he can.

"It is important to disclose that there have been groups who have expressed an initial interest, but who have been discouraged with proceeding due to the visibility and scrutiny that comes with the football club.

"The club has a very clear and reasonable process for individuals or groups who express an interest in purchasing the club. There has not been a lot of serious interest and a sale is not close as it stands."