Mike Ashley, the Newcastle United owner, told manager Rafael Benítez that he had been approached by consortiums looking to buy the club when they met last month.

Telegraph Sport understands that conversations with investors are ongoing and that Ashley is more open to selling a share of the business, as he does not believe anyone is willing to match the £400 million asking price needed to complete a full takeover.

Ashley is still considering the various offers that have been made, but will want proof of funds before he enters into serious discussions and is wary of time wasters.

Telegraph Sport revealed last year that Chinese investors had shown an interest in buying the club and that has not gone away. Renewed attempts have been made since the club were promoted back to the Premier League in May and it has been enough to tempt Ashley to do some sort of deal.

A source close to the discussions said: “There has been interest from China for a long time now. It has not got very far in the past, but neither has it gone away.”