Newcastle's prospective owner Barry Moat insists he remains committed to buying out Mike Ashley.
Businessman still keen to reach Ashley agreement
Newcastle United's prospective owner Barry Moat insists he remains committed to buying out Mike Ashley.
Moat reportedly made a £60million offer up front with guarantees of a further £20m next season to the Sports Direct tycoon, meeting his £80m asking price.
However, Ashley wants the full £80m up front for the Magpies, a move that has left Moat 'bruised' but unwavering in his desire to take over the club.
Moat has no immediate plans to put a fresh offer to Ashley, however, he has no desire to walk away from the opportunity and will continue to mull over his options in the background.
Disappointing
"For one reason or another it didn't come to pass," he told
Sky Sports News.
"It's extremely disappointing. It's something we'd given up a lot of time and effort and abortive costs with so I've been feeling pretty bruised by the whole process.
"As my wife keeps telling me, 'No one's died' so you've got to get on. That's fundamentally where I see it now.
"I think from my perspective I don't think Mike Ashley wants to stay at St James' Park for the long term, so I'll never give up.
"I'll keep beavering away in the background and hopefully one day we'll get there."
Investment
Moat insists Newcastle are a massive club and hopes Ashley finds additional investment to strengthen Chris Hughton's squad.
The Magpies are currently looking to make an immediate return to the Premier League, somewhere Moats says they belong.
"Hopefully he'll make some investment in the club. Hopefully we'll get some commercial partners," he continued.
"Hopefully the money will be spent on the playing squad and that bears fruit and we get back to where we deserve.
"Let's face it Newcastle is a massive club. 43,000 to 44,000 people turned up there the other week to watch Peterborough.
"No disrespect to Peterborough, but they brought some great fans. This is Newcastle United, it is a massive club.
"It's a global brand and it should be at the top of European football."
