Ashley surprised Newcastle officials by attending St James' Park in person on Thursday to discuss the finer points of his bid to increase the 41.6% shareholding he purchased from Sir John Hall last week.
Ashley Turns Up On The Doorstep
Ashley is believed to have been negotiating to increase his shareholding to 54%, effectively giving him control of the club, although Financial Dynamics, the public relations company handling Ashley's interest, refused to comment.
Elsewhere there was worse news for Ashley as Dave Richardson the chairman of Sport Direct International - the sports retailer founded by Ashley - resigned after only three months in the job.
The news saw shares in the company slump 4.6% to 205p per share - 32% below its flotation price.