Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is said to be potentially eyeing up a takeover of another football club, something which could impact Nottingham Forest.
The businessman has been out of the sport since selling Newcastle to a Saudi-led consortium back in October 2021. But he has been keen on returning to club ownership, showing an interest in other clubs.
Ashley showed a real interest in buying Forest’s East Midlands rivals Derby County when the Rams were in administration. He entered talks to buy the club before a takeover was completed by local businessman David Clowes.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest man shows 'quality' as he looks to turn season around
READ MORE: Arsenal problem has three pundits in agreement over Nottingham Forest vs Brentford prediction
The former Newcastle man has now reportedly set his eyes on a takeover of Championship side Coventry City, after being named as preferred bidder for the club’s stadium. According to the Daily Mail , the purchase of the Coventry Building Society (CBS) Arena will give Ashley a significant say in the commercial aspects of the club, something which he may use to get a ‘knockdown price’ on the club.
Should that be the case, then it impact Forest given Lee Charnley has been working at Forest in a consultancy role. The former Newcastle managing director arrived at the City Ground in the summer after working with Ashley for seven years at St James’ Park .
Amid Ashley’s interest in Derby, it was reported that Charnley was ‘lined up’ to take a managing director role at Pride Park should a deal have been completed. It can therefore be presumed that a similar role could be on the cards for Charnley, who was tipped to replace Dane Murphy recently, should a takeover at Coventry move any further forward.
Charley’s current role at the City Ground is said to focused on matters "away from the football trading side of the operation", such as the stadium, ticketing and matchday. He is also said to work closely with the Forest hierarchy, including club owner Evangelos Marinakis .
READ NEXT:
- Nottingham Forest signing set for 'much bigger' January wage cut
-
Nottingham Forest 'consider' Jesse Lingard decision as surprise transfer link emerges
-
Nottingham Forest sent clear Jesse Lingard message as transfer regrets revealed
Brentford injury boost ahead of Nottingham Forest as Thomas Frank delivers Steve Cooper verdict
