Nigerians play hard ball with Ashley

The Nigerian consortium interested in buying Newcastle insists it will not be held to ransom with rival clubs vying for their cash.

Magpies owner Mike Ashley wants to sell up and a group from Nigeria are reported to have offered £200 which would represent a loss for his 18-month tenure.

The consortium, fronted by Chris Nathaniel of NVA Management, are in demand though, and have warned they are prepared to walk away if talks are not productive.

Nathaniel told The Sun: "We're prepared to look at other options if our bid for Newcastle is not successful. I've been approached by several top Premier League clubs offering us opportunities to buy their clubs."

Nathaniel has also warned there is nothing sinister in his group's decision to keep their identities under wraps for the time being.

"People are having a go because the businessmen have not made themselves known. But I can assure everyone they are astute, respectable and wealthy men," he added.