Hutton blasts Ashley after latest Newcastle takeover twist 'leaves bitter taste'
Alan Hutton has suggested "desperation" is behind Mike Ashley's latest move against the Premier League and the Newcastle United takeover.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland international admitted the saga at St James' Park is beginning to grow tiresome.
As detailed in documents made available last week, Ashley has launched a claim via the Competition Appeal Tribunal against the Premier League after the blocked takeover bid from Amanda Staveley's PZ Newco consortium.
The claim for damages and/or an injunction has been levied alongside the arbitration case against the Premier League launched last year.
Hutton suggested Ashley was looking to "squeeze every penny" out the governing body, with the takeover deal still in limbo.
Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: "A little bit of desperation. He's looking to get money back off the league and all this.
"I think as a fan you'd just be sitting there thinking: 'Oh, for God's sake.' It's getting annoying now. I think if they can get this takeover over the line, whoever it may be, it would be best for everyone.
"It just leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. It's rearing its ugly head always with Mike Ashley. They seem to be standing still at the moment. Mike Ashley just seems to be trying to squeeze every penny out from every angle possible.
"It must be frustrating for the fans but hopefully they can get it over the line, one way or another. Whether the league helps them out or not, we'll have to wait and see."
Football Insider revealed in April the club are privately hopeful the Saudi-backed takeover will succeed this summer.
The Magpies saw their Premier League status secured on Monday after Fulham's defeat to Burnley.