http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2009/08/18/ashley-at-training-ground-but-not-for-takeover-talks-61634-24469291/
Ashley at training ground but not for takeover talks
Aug 18 2009 by Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle
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TOON owner Mike Ashley has flown into Newcastle United's training ground but rumours that a deal for the club was imminent have been played down.
The Chronicle understands the sportswear chief's appearance was just a routine visit to finalise some paperwork ahead of the home game with Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.
A United source said: "It is nothing to get excited about, it was a routine visit, Mike was here to sign some paperwork relating to Damien Duff's transfer and the launch of the third kit.
"It is not the first time he has been at the training ground recently, and it won't be the last."
Caretaker boss Chris Hughton said: "He came in, wished everyone the best for the Sheffield Wednesday game, and just wanted to tell people he wouldn't be at the match."
But on the takeover Hughton said: "We want it resolved, if it's not it's news every single day."
Some reports had suggested the visit meant talks over a £100m deal for the Magpies were nearing a close, but Ashley's PR spokesman Jonathon Brill added: "There's no D-Day tomorrow as far as I'm aware."
Fans have been desperately hoping for news on the sale of the club with tycoon Barry Moat still in the running.
Speculation he was ready to take control only increased when he was spotted sitting next to Ashley at the Reading game on Saturday.
But a club spokesman refused to comment on that matter when quizzed after the 3-0 victory.
Meanwhile former Rangers and Tottenham star Graham Roberts claims he is spearheading a takeover of the Magpies on behalf of little known supporter group Fans 410.
The Glasgow-based 50-year-old claims that Toon fans would have to "get involved" in the takeover via the Supporters Trust and that mystery funds worth £100million would be made available if they are successful.
However, early indications of the mooted takeover have been ignored by Seymour Pierce indicating they have a little chance of being contenders.
Roberts said today: "We want fans to get involved and we are looking forward to meeting each other.
"We want to make it a debt free club, I can't go into real detail at the moment, it's ongoing.
"We have tried Seymour Pierce and Mr Harris would not even come on the phone.
"One of the directors of the company I am helping has Derek Llambias' number and he will contact him."
Yet this audacious claim has already been privately played down by the club.
