Newcastle United takeover news: Peter Kenyon tells Mike Ashley he wants to complete a deal to buy Premier League club imminently

Former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has revealed he hopes to complete a takeover of Newcastle United “as soon as possible”.

Kenyon, who is leading a consortium hoping to buy the Premier League club, has written to the club’s owner Mike Ashley stating his commitment to conclude a deal in the near future.

The news will come as a huge boost to Newcastle supporters with Ashley a hugely unpopular figure among the loyal Toon fanbase.

Such is their resentment towards him, eight supporters’ groups came together to produce a joint letter earlier this week pleading with him to conclude any deal swiftly or otherwise invest funds into the squad during this month’s transfer window.

Fans are fearful of relegation to the Championship, with their team lying 15th in the top flight and just two points clear of the relegation zone.

And Kenyon wants to act swiftly to put an end to this matter, with the leaking of a letter he sent to Ashley before Christmas underlining that stance.

It read: “I know I speak for both of us in that we continue to share a serious determination to finalise the agreement we have to suit both parties as soon as possible in the New Year.

“We have both spent many months discussing the parameters of a final deal and as you know we have also invested heavily in time and money on our various legal and financial advisors.

“I appreciate the time and effort committed to the detailed discussions by your advisors, lawyers, club, and, of course, yourself.”

He continued: “I fully respect your desire to ensure the next owners of Newcastle United understand the club, football, and have the appropriate financial resources.

“And I am delighted that you think the investor group led by myself is the best fit.

“On my side, I would like to personally assure you that I am committed to conclude our deal as soon as possible.

“And, while we are both perhaps frustrated that we have not progressed as quickly as we would have wished, I would like to express personal gratitude for your patience and integrity in this matter and hope we can continue our discussions in the same spirit.”

Speaking to Sky News last month, Ashley insisted he wanted to sell the club before the end of the January transfer window.

After a three-match winning run in November, Newcastle have won just one of their last eight games.

They face a trip to Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea when the Premier League resumes on January 12.