---
title: "Newcastle United: Lee Ryder shares insight from sources close to Mike Ashley on potential takeover"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/takeover-mike-ashley-premier-league-2/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Clancy"
section: "Newcastle United"
published: "2021-05-07T15:51:02Z"
modified: "2021-05-07T15:51:39Z"
---

# Newcastle United: Lee Ryder shares insight from sources close to Mike Ashley on potential takeover

**Lee Ryder has shared some insight from sources close to Mike Ashley regarding the potential takeover of Newcastle United.**

### The Lowdown: Ashley takes his stand

According to the [The Shields Gazette](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-and-mike-ashley-launch-new-premier-league-legal-challenge-in-bid-to-force-through-saudi-takeover-3227464), Ashley and the club are looking to take the Premier League to court for what they believe to be anti-competitive behaviour in their decision-making process on the proposed takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

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The St. James’ Park faithful have also taken on an anti-competition case given to them by Newcastle Consortium Supporters Limited (NCSL), with the top flight given fresh legal papers and Ashley looking to force them to put through the bid.

### The Latest: Ashley determined to get takeover done

As shared by Ryder in his latest piece for [The Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-takeover-mike-ashley-premier-20545257), the chief executive of Sports Direct is understood to be “hellbent” on getting the proposed takeover approved, and sources close to him have indicated that his anti-competition legal battle is a signal of intent as he seeks justice from the PL over the failed bid from the KSA consortium.

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Ashley wants damages, costs and interest from the division, as well as the whole takeover process restarted and ultimately that it is finally approved.

### The Verdict: Arbitration a key indicator in takeover saga

While Ashley is now pursuing another big legal battle against the Premier League, the pending arbitration case between the two parties will be a key indicator over where the potential takeover heads.

A positive result for the Toon and the North East club could pave a pathway for a potential revival, but a negative one may be very difficult to come back from, especially with Ashley now seemingly starting a war on multiple fronts.

[***In other news, find out what big blow NUFC have received before Leicester City here!***](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/fabian-schar-red-arsenal-leicester/)