NEWCASTLE United owner Mike Ashley has again shown just how easy it is to make a fortune out of football, especially when buying in the French league.

Alan Pardew brought Demba Ba to St James’ Park on a free transfer in August 2011. At the same time Yohen Cabaye was bought from Lille for £4.5m.

That year the fans did not have any confidence in these purchases but I watched both play their first games at Newcastle and they looked very good. Both have served Newcastle well in the seasons since but Demba Ba was sold to Chelsea after they triggered a release clause buying the striker for £7.5m and now Cabaye has been sold to French side PSG for £20m.

Earlier, Andy Carroll – who joined Newcastle United as a youngster – was sold to Liverpool for £35m. Without mentioning any more shrewd deals, these three aforementioned players add up to about £60m profit.

Now sticking to Ashley’s young player philosophy; deals are at an advanced state with two exciting young players Luuk de Jong and Clement Grenier both just 23 years of age.

Bernard McCormick, Newton Aycliffe.