Chinese consortium explores potential Newcastle takeover

According to 'Sky Sports News' Newcatle United have attracted the attention of Chinese investors following their swift return to the top-flight. It is understood that there has been considerable interest in the 'Magpies' in recent weeks, after they pipped Brighton to the Championship title, including one Chinese-backed consortium.

Mike Ashley has a somewhat mixed history when it comes to owning Newcastle. Since buying out Freddy Shepherd and taking control of the club in 2007, Ashley has been criticised for seemingly trying to use Newcastle as a stepping stone for a takeover of Scottish Club Rangers. Whilst he has also reportedly attempted to sell the club on several occasions.

Ashley will no doubt assess his options in light of this interest, despite declaring in 2015 that he would not sell the club until they had won a trophy or qualified for the Champions League.