Now Newcastle could risk losing Demba Ba for £7million as they stall on offering the striker a new deal.
Ba, who only signed for the Magpies 12 months ago, has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for £7million but it was thought Toon officials would move quickly to offer him a new deal this summer to ensure he stays.
However reports now claim that Ashley is reluctant to offer him a pay rise on his £50,000 a week after just 12 months as he fears it would set a danagerous precedent.
Chelsea have been linked with Ba and there may be one or two clubs more than happy to activate the £7million clause.