Ashley Won't Sell Newcastle

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has insisted he has no plans to sell the club until the end of next season at the earliest.

The sportswear magnate moved on Friday to dismiss speculation that he is ready to sell up in order to buy Scottish club Rangers, in which he already has a nine per cent stake.

A club statement, which revealed that the Daily Telegraph has been banned by the club for a series of reports on the matter, said:

``The truth is Mike Ashley remains committed to Newcastle United.

For the avoidance of doubt, this means that for the remainder of this season and AT LEAST until the end of next season, Mike Ashley will not, under any circumstances, sell Newcastle United at any price.''