Ashley: No sale until we win trophy

The Sports Direct tycoon has often been criticised by sections of the Magpies support for putting profit ahead of on-pitch performances, with the club going into their final Premier League match of the season facing the threat of relegation.

But Ashley, who has rarely if ever spoken to the media on sporting matters, broke cover to pledge his determination to improve matters at St James' Park.

He told Sky Sports: "I will continue my policy of investing in the football club.

"I shan't be selling the club until we win something. Not at any price. When I say win something, if we get in a position of Champions League that equals winning something."