Vince McMahon looking to purchase Newcastle United

NEWSCASTLE , England, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Vince McMahon wants to get into the soccer business.

The 68-year-old owner of World Wrestling Entertainment is reportedly looking into buying Newcastle United Football Club from owner Mike Ashley.

Ashley has been looking to sell the club for some time now, and while McMahon has not yet made an official bid, owning the soccer club appeals to him because it would allow him to grow his WWE franchise into the United Kingdom.

According to Winner Sports, McMahon -- recently valued at $1.1 billion -- has "expressed and initial interest" in taking over the club.

"He sees England as an untapped market for his wrestling empire," said a Newcastle United source. "He has even indicated he could put on wrestling bouts at St James’s Park."

“Obviously it is very early days but there is hope the fans may get what they want with Ashley leaving," the insider continued. "Buying a club like Newcastle would throw him into the spotlight in England which is just what he is looking to do.”

[Sports Keeda] [Winner Sports]