Newcastle United fans have finally got their wish after owner Mike Ashley decided to put the club up for sale.Ashley has been a divisive figure since taking over in 2007, with fans protesting against a lack of investment and a revolving door of managers.Back in 2015, fans held up a banner outside Sports Direct which labelled Newcastle as ‘Balance Sheet Champions’, and the issues haven’t subsided in the two years since.The Magpies released a statement on Monday evening confirming the club was now up for sale.The statement read: “As one of the Premier League's oldest and best supported football clubs - and for the benefit of its many fans and supporters in the UK and across the world - Newcastle United requires a clear direction and a path to a bright and successful future."To give the club the best possible opportunity of securing the positioning and investment necessary to take it to the next level, at what is an important time in its history, 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."A process will now commence of identifying new ownership for the club that will be capable of delivering the sustained investment in and dedication to the club that is necessary for it to achieve its ambitions."

Alan Shearer reacted on Twitter

According to The Sun, financier Amanda Staveley could buy the club after she was spotted at Newcastle’s 1-1 home draw against Liverpool earlier in October.

One man who’s ecstatic about the news is club legend Alan Shearer, who reacted to the news on Twitter.

Shearer's post summed up his pleasure. Check it out below.

Back in August, Shearer, who spent 10 seasons at Newcastle before a brief stint as the club’s manager, expressed his disappointment with Ashley’s lack of spending.

“It has been a frustrating summer for him (manager Rafa Benitez),” Shearer said, per the Chronicle Live.

“At the end of last season, Mike Ashley said he would give every penny he had to Rafa. I don’t know if that has been the case.

“But with his experience and know-how, he will set the team up to be very difficult to beat.”

Thankfully for Shearer and thousands of Newcastle fans, the end of Ashley's reign is nigh.

What does the future hold for Newcastle? Let us know in the comments section below!