Toon nightmare for Ashley
The fate of Newcastle United FC remains in the balance as a buyer is still to be found for the club, despite time running out before the football transfer window closes. Club owner Mike Ashley – the Sports Direct boss – is desperate to dump the embattled club, but remains reluctant to sell for less than £100m. Seymour Pierce has been working flat out on negotiations, but all interested parties have failed to show any proof of finances, meaning talks have fallen flat. The transfer window closes on 31 August, meaning Ashley will have to hang for another season, and find a new manager to replace Alan Shearer.