Nigerian consortium set to pay Mike Ashley £400m for Newcastle

Under-fire Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has been handed a shock escape route... out of Africa.

The United billionaire has appointed Londonbased investment bank Seymour Pierce to handle the sale of the club after the approach from a consortium in Nigeria.

Bid spokesman Chris Nathaniel said last night: "Right now the Nigerian entrepreneurs have so far contributed £350million to buy the club. I've been working hard to get wealthy and football-loving Nigerian entrepreneurs to buy the club since Mike Ashley indicated his willingness to sell to anyone who can meet the £400million asking price."

Now the desperate Toon owner could cash in with the group of super-wealthy African businessmen ready to press home their interest.

Amazingly, they have promised to match want-away Ashley's mind-boggling asking price. The Nigerian group is putting the finishing touches to its bid after raising enough to put them ahead of Arab, Middle East, Indian and Far East investors.

Everton's Nigerian international striker Yakubu is top of the list of the players they want to bring in.

The former Portsmouth marksman has scored 17 goals for the Super Eagles and 26 in 33 appearances for the Toffees.

He has been earmarked with Michael Owen apparently heading a string of Toon stars bound for the exit door - but there is anger in Nigeria the cash is not being ploughed into their domestic game.

Nathaniel added: "Ashley has stood his ground and said that he won't sell until the money is raised to the asking price of £400m.

"That means we need to raise another £50m or £100m to shut the door behind the top Arab companies who are also interested in Newcastle."

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