OPINION
Newcastle United are without a manager but seem as though they could still be getting rid of players in the early stages of July with Ayoze Perez reportedly edging closer towards an unexpected move to Leicester City.
TalkSPORT broadcaster Geoff Peters claimed via his personal Twitter account on Tuesday that the Foxes are in advanced talks to sign the 25-year-old, who has been in the East Midlands with his agent for a meeting with Leicester officials.
This news has seemingly come out of nowhere and it is understood that there could even be a medical held this week as Newcastle may have already agreed a fee to sell one of their best players from last season.
UPDATE: Ayoze Pérez has been in Leicester today with his agent meeting #lcfc officials which suggests they and #nufc have already agreed a fee for the Spaniard.
— Mr Geoff Peters (@mrgeoffpeters) July 2, 2019
What is very worrying about this report is that it would seem Ashley has taken control of Newcastle transfers and is looking to cash in on players before the club even hires Rafa Benitez’s permanent successor.
Benitez left St James’ Park at the end of his contract last week and so far there is yet to be any real concrete talk about who could replace the popular Spaniard in the Tyneside hotseat.
It seems like Ashley is more bothered about trying to stuff his pockets with cash by selling high-value players like Perez before hiring a manager who would have any say in transfers and potentially stop him from making a quick buck on his players.
While it is definitely something that will have an impact on the quality of the squad and increase the chance of relegation next season, it may also be seen as a final chance for Ashley to strip the club of it’s assets before selling up.
The Bin Zayed Group have been in talks about buying Newcastle from Ashley and with a fee already agreed, the Sports Direct tycoon may be trying to have one last go at making some money before he goes.
Time will tell whether or not BZG will buy Newcastle, but the lack of news in the last couple of weeks and what could be the start of a firesale by Ashley is not the best of signs.
