Mark Douglas has dropped an inside claim from sources from the potential takeover of Newcastle United regarding Mike Ashley.

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the journalist has claimed that takeover sources have indicated that there would have to be a readiness from the chief executive of Sports Direct to lower his original asking price, or at least structure a deal, in a way which takes into account the big financial hit the club would take if they were to find themselves relegated from the Premier League at the end of this season.

The Tynesiders are now under serious threat of going down after an embarrassing 3-0 loss at the hands of relegation rivals Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday night, meaning that they currently sit a mere two points outside of the drop zone in the league table after 29 games played (BBC Sport).

Is potential Newcastle takeover off if relegated?

One would seriously have to question whether the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) would consider coming back onto the table if Newcastle found themselves in the Championship.

The Magpies would certainly become a less attractive project in that scenario, and there is a question mark left on how much money Ashley would be willing to sell them for.

Nonetheless, Newcastle will now be prioritising staying up and then deal with any further takeover talk at the end of the season.

In other news, find out what big claim has been dropped on Rafa Benitez and the takeover consortium!