ENGLISH Premier League giants Newcastle and at least one Italian club are believed to have expressed some initial interest in the sale of the Newcastle Jets A-League club.

But it’s understood the talks have been very preliminary at best with sources yesterday revealing any sale of the club is not imminent.

Volatile Jets owner Nathan Tinkler, whose tumultuous three year reign as Newcastle Knights owner ended in May, dropped a bucket on his A-League club yesterday, declaring in The Daily Telegraph his desire to walk away if the right offer comes along after claiming the city of Newcastle had “shit on him”.

“The Newcastle Jets are for sale too,” Tinkler said. “I can’t wait to get them out the door too.”

The comments went down like a lead balloon among the Jets faithful just as new coach Phil Stubbins and his squad were flying to Townsville to take part in a pre-season tournament this weekend that also features Sydney FC and ­Brisbane Roar.

Jets CEO Robbie Middleby refused to comment on Tinkler’s remarks but said it was no secret the club has been looking for investors.

“That has been common knowledge for some time, something that was acknowledged by the FFA today,” ­Middleby said.

“But until such times as there is a sale , it really is just business as usual for us in the countdown to a new season.”

Middleby refused to speculate on the identity of possible suitors but his boss was more forthcoming, telling Sky Sports Radio yesterday talks had been taking place for quite some time with European clubs in England, Germany and Spain.

The Daily Telegraph has been told agents representing EPL club Newcastle have spoken to Jets officials while there has also been some interest from at least one Italian club.

“German, Spanish, and English clubs are best placed to groom young talent in Australia,” Tinkler told Sky Sports.

“If we can do a deal with one of those countries, it will put the Jets in a better spot and it will be a win for the community and everyone involved.

“We’ve been in talks with a number of Premier League and European clubs, they’ve been going on for a little while.

“Anyone that supports or owns an A-League club would understand that (overseas ownership) is the future. The transfer fees paid by the big European organisations could run an A-League club.”

“Football Federation Australia (FFA) has previously noted comments from Nathan Tinkler regarding the ownership of the Newcastle Jets,” an FFA spokesperson said. “FFA continues to have regular positive dialogue with the Newcastle Jets about operational and business matters.

“FFA is comfortable with the Newcastle Jets’ plans for the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 ­season and beyond.”