Mike Ashley Poised To Take A Step Back From Newcastle

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is widely expected to step down from the Magpies board in the coming days, according to reports. Despite having owned the club since 2007, the 50-year-old only formally joined the Newcastle board in April 2014 when he also named Lee Charnley as the Magpies' managing director. The Mirror claims that Ashley will resign from the board of directors and instead appoint two new members in his place - however there is absolutely no suggestion that this means the Sports Direct magnate is looking for a way out of Newcastle United.

In fact, Ashley is expected to splash upwards of £60 million this summer on at least seven major signings. Steve McClaren should be named as Alan Pardew's permanent successor as the Magpies' next head coach this week and he has been promised he will be backed in the transfer market. Micah Richards could become Newcastle's first signing of the summer before other targets such as Chelsea's Marco van Ginkel and West Bromwich's Albion Saido Berahino are also pursued. Newcastle's chief scout Graham Carr has worked with McClaren in the past and Charnley believes the pair will recruit well this summer as they look to avoid another relegation scrap next season. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.