... the Newcastle owner is working within the rules.
Who am I to suggest he isn't, because he will have his top people working on the job.
But the FA rules say "no person can own two or more clubs at the same time", suggesting Ashley knows something we don't.
Many thought it was a British rule, not just involving English clubs.
Ashley's bid is his first move in a grab for more power at Ibrox, and the Press Association Sport understands the Sports Direct tycoon could be ready to increase his current 8.92 per cent stakeholding in the Glasgow giants to around a quarter of the club's shares.
He has vowed to remain in control at St James' Park until the end of next season (at least), but there is an agreement he struck with the Scottish Football Association which committed him to owning no more than 10 per cent of Rangers while he was still in charge of the Magpies.