Prospective Portsmouth owner Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim admits he came close to buying Newcastle United last year.

But Toon owner Mike Ashley wanted £400m - a £160m profit on his £240m investment.

Al Fahim said: "I'd have paid £200m for Newcastle because it's a great club. But the guy wanted £400m. He's got to be kidding."

Six months on, Ashley is prepared to take just £100m.