Newcastle United fans react with joy on Twitter as they learn owner Mike Ashley wants to sell the club by Christmas

NEWCASTLE UNITED fans reacted with joy as they heard the news Mike Ashley wants to sell the club by Christmas.

The Toon are officially on the market as the Premier League giants revealed in a statement Ashley would be selling up.

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Businesswoman Amanda Staveley has been in talks with the St James' Park club for some time now.

The statement claimed: "Newcastle United requires a clear direction and a path to a bright and successful future."

It added: "Its present ownership has determined that it is in the best interests of Newcastle United and its fans for the club to be put up for sale."

Following ten years in Newcastle, Ashley - who is widely unpopular with the Magpies' faithful - will now step down.

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The news sparked joy around the city, as a hoard of fans couldn't contain their jubilation.

A number tweeted their relief, while others even claimed "Santa is real" as they learnt of the news.

One social media user claimed: ";All I want for a Christmas is Amanda Staveley."

Another simply quipped: "BEST DAY OF MY LIFE."

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Check out the best of the reaction from Twitter, below...

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