Mike Ashley '100% committed' to Newcastle United takeover

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley (left) and the club's managing director Lee Charnley.
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and the club's managing director Lee Charnley. Credit: PA Images

Newcastle United's managing director has spoken following the withdrawal of a Saudi-backed £300m takeover deal.

Lee Charnley has said that the club's owner, Mike Ashley, is still "100 per cent committed" to the takeover from groups including the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.

He also said his focus would be helping the head coach, Steve Bruce, as he prepares for the 2020/21 Premier League season, which begins in September.

A statement issued by the takeover consortium yesterday confirmed that they were withdrawing their offer after the Premier League had spent 17 weeks considering it.