Mike Ashley has confirmed that Newcastle's impending takeover has hit the skids.
Former Mackem, Everton and West Ham United midfielder Don Hutchison has claimed on Twitter that he "wouldn't be surprised" if Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley wanted Rafa Benitez off the wage bill.
BBC Sport reported Ashley, owner of Newcastle for a decade, has told Amanda Staveley and her PCP Capital Partners that a deal is off as the latter could not meet his valuation of the Tyneside club.
The news was met with a huge backlash from Newcastle fans, with supporters continually angry that Ashley has failed to back manager Benitez in the summer following the Toon's promotion or indeed this month - so far.
Hutchison, who is now a pundit with ESPN, claimed it would not be of shock to him if Ashley wanted to remove Benitez from the wage bill at St. James' Park before describing the club as a "shambles".
Don Hutchison
@donhutch4
Wouldn’t surprise me if Ashley wants Rafa out (off wage bill) and gets som1 on the cheap AGAIN!!!!!!!! #shambles
Newcastle are yet to complete a signing this month with Benitez repeatedly stating that he does not know what his transfer budget is for January.
Rafa says they need additions in goal, at left-back, central midfield, number 10, on the flanks and up front.