By saying he was “committing to the club as its owner”, Mike Ashley made the Magpies sound like a girl he’s made pregnant and is now forced to marry.

Mike Ashley must spend big in the transfer window to win over sceptical Newcastle fans and plug gaps in the squad, according to manager Joe Kinnear.

Mike Ashley must spend big in the transfer window to win over sceptical Newcastle fans and plug gaps in the squad, according to manager Joe Kinnear.

Michael Ord a spokesman for the Newcastle United Supporters’ Club insists the news will be unwelcome to many on Tyneside.

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has confirmed that the club has been taken off the market and is no longer up for sale.

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear believes owner Mike Ashley could be planning to extend his stay.

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has admitted that his club do not have the funds to ward off any major bids for star striker Michael Owen.

MIKE ASHLEY says he can do nothing to stop Michael Owen quitting Newcastle

Michael Owen will have his basic pay CUT by 25,000-a-week in a Newcastle deal - even though they want him to stay.The striker will have to play to get paid big money as part of a three-year offer being tabled this week.The England striker will have his basic wage of 105,000 a week cut to around 80,000 as owner Mike Ashley looks to get top value out of the marksman.Owen has made just 51 starts since signing for 17 million in August 2005 because of injury and his new deal is heavily incentivised to protect Newcastle from further injury setbacks.The 29-year-old will have stay fit and earn bonuses through appearances, with an 80 per cent target set, plus goals targets and extras or Newcastle putting together a successful season including chasing trophies.Newcastle have indicated that a very good offer is on the way to Owen which could be discussed with boss Joe Kinnear today.Owen is likely to hold back and see if any of the big four or even Spurs, Everton and Manchester City - come through with offers next month when he is free to talk about a free transfer.Kinnear wants him to stay until the end of the season at least, and is attempting to juggle his limited transfer budget.He wants West Hams Matthew Upson to bolster his defence, and is also monitoring Stephen Warnock at Blackburn, but may have to sell.One victim is Jose Enrique, bought by Sam Allardyce for 6million. The Spaniard had one of his best games in the 3-0 win at Portsmouth, but if Kinnear can find a replacement he says he could be on the way.Kinnear said: If we can get like-for-like then Ill lose one. Weve gone down that road already but I got a knock-back. If wed got John Arne Riise in - hes changed his mind - then I could have done something with [Jose] Enrique. Riises got back in the team at Roma and his agent has told us that hes happy to stay until the end of the season. I want them now really.Kinnear would also like a powerful central midfielder but Nicky Butt will sign a new deal this week, ahead of reaching the 19 appearances he needed to trigger a clause guaranteeing him a year extension.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has not received “a single credible bid” for the club but insists he does not regret buying the Magpies.