Cook in for Newcastle United

As Mike Ashley focuses on his Debenhams investment, the possibility of selling Newcastle United is heating up. Ashley wants around £300 million for the club, and has put it up for sale. A potential buyer could be a consortium led by former Manchester City executive Garry Cook, who has also worked at both UFC and Nike.

Paper Round’s view: It was Cook who convinced Sheikh Mansour to invest in City ahead of Newcastle, so he may have done enough due diligence on Newcastle to have spotted potential in the club as it is now. £300 million is a huge sum if they get relegated, otherwise it could ultimately prove to be a bargain given the prominence of the Premier League across the world.