Rob Lee makes claim about Mike Ashley that Newcastle fans will hate

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Rob Lee has told TalkSPORT that owner Mike Ashley will not sell Newcastle United and that his main aim is to displease Toon fans by continuing in his ownership of the club.

High street mogul Ashley has been looking to sell Newcastle since the club returned to the Premier League. Despite serious interest from groups backed by first Amanda Staveley and then Peter Kenyon, Ashley remains in control.

The two groups failed in their bid to buy Newcastle because ultimately they could not agree a fee with Ashley. The latter wants £300million for the club. Kenyon came close, but a deal could not be met.

Former Newcastle star Lee is confident that Ashley does not want to sell Newcastle, despite stating he is looking to do so. He also considered Rafa Benitez’s future as manager, with the Spaniard’s contract expiring this summer.

“He takes one step forward and two massive steps back. It’s like he wants to upset the Geordies,” Lee said. “He comes out with a statement and says we’ll give all the money we generate, but he never does it.

“Never does what he says. He’ll be longer than the end of the season, he won’t sell. If he loses Rafa, we’re in serious trouble. Why can’t Newcastle pay out £20million for a player?”

TBR’s view

Worryingly, Lee is spot on. Ashley has continuously lied to Benitez and fans about funds. Who says that he is telling the truth about wanting to sell the club?

Newcastle will only truly move forward with ownership that have ambition. Ashley is in it for profit and gain. Not the interests of Newcastle fans – otherwise a contract for Rafa Benitez would have been tied up months ago.

Signing Benitez up and selling the club would finally gain fans’ forgiveness. Whether that will happen is a another question.