'Eight' buyers in Toon talks

Kinnear reveals talks with Newcastle owner Ashley

Last updated: 2nd October 2008

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Ashley: Sale talks

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Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear has claimed owner Mike Ashley is in talks with 'at least eight consortiums' over the sale of the club.

Ashley announced his intention to sell the North East outfit last month after he came in for strong criticism from the Tyneside faithful following the departure of Kevin Keegan.

Kinnear was announced as interim manager last Friday, and the former Wimbledon, Luton and Nottingham Forest boss believes he could be in charge at St James' Park for longer than initially predicted

Asked if his stay could be permanent, Kinnear said: "I don't think so, to be honest, because I know for a fact Mike is talking to eight consortiums.

"I don't know the outcome of those. I haven't got a time-scale on it, so I don't really know what the outcome is.

"But I know he is in talks with at least eight consortiums because he has told me that himself.

"Who they are, what they are, when it will happen, there is no time-scale on it.

"I am contracted for eight games, but I assume that should due diligence and the deals go on a little bit longer, it may run into 10 or 12 games."