Mike Ashley is close to conceding defeat in his effort to sell Newcastle United with none of the interested parties able to fund a deal.

Sources close to the Magpies owner say he has not heard from the consortium headed by Peter Kenyon in recent weeks, nor has any other group attempted to progress their interest.

It means Ashley is now making plans for the immediate future on the assumption he will remain owner of the club.

Mike Ashley is facing the prospect of being unable to sell Newcastle football club

That could potentially be good news for manager Rafa Benitez, should the threat of relegation force Ashley to spend this month.

Sources say they have not given up hope on a deal for Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron but an agent’s fee in the region of £4million is said to be a major sticking point.

Newcastle have not given up hope of signing Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron

Sportsmail understands Ashley will be at St James’ Park for Saturday’s visit of relegation rivals Cardiff City and those behind the scenes are hoping he and Benitez can re-open their dialogue after meeting earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Sportsmail has been told that former Newcastle director Dennis Wise has not held meetings with managing director Lee Charnley or Ashley’s aide Justin Barnes, who remains a prominent figure at St James’.

Reports have suggested Wise is acting as an advisor to Ashley but sources insist there is no connection to the club