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'Mike Ashley is 100 per cent committed to this deal': Newcastle break their silence on the failed £300m Saudi royal family takeover to say club's owner is still desperate to sell up - and to 'never say never' despite bid collapsing

Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley has insisted that controversial owner Mike Ashley remains '100 per cent committed' to completing the sale of the club.

The proposed £300million takeover by a Saudi Arabian-led consortium sensationally collapsed on Thursday following four months of scrutiny over piracy concerns and human rights complaints in the Gulf state.

Ashley appeared to have been left without a buyer, but Charnley revealed in a statement on Friday morning that the British entrepreneur is still desperate to sell up.

Lee Charnley (R) has insisted Mike Ashley (L) is '100 per cent committed' to selling Newcastle
The u00a3300m Saudi Arabian-led takeover, helmed by Amanda Staveley, collapsed on Thursday

The £300m Saudi Arabian-led takeover, helmed by Amanda Staveley, collapsed on Thursday

The consortium, which agreed a deal with Ashley in April, was heavily backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and spearheaded by businesswoman Amanda Staveley.