Ashley has been in charge at Newcastle since 2007

The group bidding to take control of Newcastle United are seeking to lower the asking price in light of the huge uncertainty in football because of coronavirus.

The Times understands that Newcastle officials have sent paperwork to the Premier League outlining the proposed takeover of the club by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, a move that is seen as significant.

Negotiations about finally ending Mike Ashley’s 13 years in charge at St James’ Park began before the emergence of the Covid-19 virus that has ground the Premier League to a complete halt.

That has sparked conversations about a ‘reduced price’ in order to facilitate the sale. Ashley has varied the asking price for the north east club in recent years between £300