Mike Ashley is talking to at least two foreign parties interested in buying Newcastle United but his revelations on live television have risked derailing the takeover process.

The Magpies owner has informed prospective buyers that he wants a deal done by December 31 but discussions have not progressed at a pace he would like.

That is why he seized the opportunity during an interview on Sky News on Monday night to make public the recent progress, in part a tactic to hurry along investors but also laying bare his desire to sell the club as soon as possible.

Mike Ashley is talking to at least two foreign parties interested in buying Newcastle United

However, at least one of those parties involved has reacted badly to the deal being made public, especially as Ashley has always insisted on business being conducted in private.

Ashley and his aides such as Justin Barnes - who has a prominent role in selling the club - must now hope that the said group do not withdraw their interest.

The asking price of around £300million is not thought to be an issue and sources close to Ashley insist he would only sell to those capable of taking the club forward.

MIKE ASHLEY Newcastle owner since 2007 Sports Direct CEO since 1982 Became House of Fraser owner earlier this year Advertisement

The notion of Ashley using this as a ploy to appease supporters ahead of the January transfer window has been dismissed, and there appears to be genuine optimism for the first time that a sale could go through, even if the sports retail tycoon would like talks to accelerate.

One name which has been doing the rounds is that of Arthur Blank, the owner of NFL side Atlanta Falcons and MLS franchise Atlanta United. The 76-year-old is said to be worth nearly $5billion. Sources close to Ashley have neither denied nor confirmed Blank's involvement when it was put to them.

Sportsmail reported in October that a group of American businessmen were interested in buying the the club, rivalling the consortium being put together by former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon.

However his revelations on live television on Monday have risked derailing takeover process

One name has been doing the rounds - Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner

ARTHUR BLANK NFL side Atlanta Falcons owner MLS franchise Atlanta United owner Billionaire founder of Home Depot Said to be worth nearly $5billion Advertisement

It was on Monday that Ashley said: ‘I am hopeful for the Newcastle fans, for the club, for everybody that I will be able to step aside and we will be able to get an owner in that will please everybody.

‘I’d like that to be before the January transfer window. It’s possible. Realistic is maybe too strong a word. Hopefully we can carry on the recent good form and get the deal done.

‘We are not in exclusive talks but they are at a more progressed stage than they have ever been.

‘I am very keen to sell it to the right buyer, so everybody is happy, that would be good news.’