Journalist delivers fresh update on Mike Ashley and Sheffield United takeover links

Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is not in the running to take over Championship side Sheffield United at this stage, as per a Twitter update from reporter Alan Nixon.

These links first emerged yesterday from the Sheffield Star, who believe a takeover may be closer than many people think with Ashley and a US party being named as two parties that may be interested in taking charge at Bramall Lane.

The Blades are currently under the stewardship of Prince Abdullah and his team, who have been noticeably reluctant to spend since the South Yorkshire outfit’s return to the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last term.

In terms of their senior squad, they have only spent £250,000 on transfer fees in the past 12 months with Stoke City’s Adam Davies arriving in a six-figure deal during the January window.

Other than that, they have stuck to free transfers or loans with four temporary players and free addition Filip Uremovic currently plying their trade for the promotion hopefuls, with both former manager Slavisa Jokanovic and current boss Paul Heckingbottom working within very tight restrictions set by the club’s board.

Last November, chairman Yusuf Giansiracusa announced that he and Prince Abdullah would no longer be the main communicators when big events at the club happen, potentially increasing speculation about the possibility of the duo distancing themselves from the club.

However, a takeover from Ashley doesn’t look set to happen anytime soon with journalist Nixon believing he isn’t in the race at this present moment.

The Verdict:

Ashley isn’t exactly someone who is going to splash the cash – but you would probably have backed him to spend more than Prince Abdullah has in