Simon Jordan makes Mike Ashley Derby County claim Newcastle United fans may disagree with

Simon Jordan expects former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley to invest in Derby County if he is given the keys to Pride Park. Recent reports have linked the unpopular ex-Magpies chief with a move to save the cash-strapped Rams - who were recently relegated to League One.

The Sports Direct tycoon has been urged to save Derby by administrators after a proposed takeover by US-based business Chris Kirchner collapsed. Ashley is renowned for driving a hard bargain - Newcastle fans know all too well - and The Telegraph claim he is “determined” to re-enter football less than a year after selling United for £300million.

Former Crystal Palace owner Jordan believes Ashley will seek to get the Rams out of League One while firing a thinly-veiled swipe at Toon supporters. He told talkSPORT : “I know that he’s (Ashley) been there. I know that discussions have been had with the problems (Derby) had with Middlesbrough and Wycombe Wanderers,”

“Newcastle United didn’t have a God-given right to be in the Premier League and whether they like it or not, Mike Ashley turned that football club into a profitable business. I know he did it at the expense of ambition and desire and he sapped all the life and energy from that football club.

“But if he goes to Derby County, one thing they’ll know isn't going to happen with Mike Ashley at the helm is how it did with Mel Morris. It’s going to be a different run football club. Mike Ashley isn’t going to build a football club that stays in League One.”