Newcastle United is the latest club to be subject of a takeover

The Lillywhite's and Sports World owner took over the Premiership club in June after chairman Freddy Shepherd agreed to sell his 28% stake for �37.6m.

Subsequent share purchases took Mr Ashley's holding over the 75% mark, which triggered a full takeover.

Mr Ashley's 101p a share takeover offer, made by his company St James' Holdings, valued the club at �131m.

Newcastle United's share price Floated in 02/97: 140p One year ago: 53.5p Final closing price: 99.5p

"The directors of Newcastle United wish to announce that, following an application to the UK Listing Authority, the listing of the company's ordinary shares of 5p each on the Official List has been cancelled," the firm said.

"The shares have ceased trading on the London Stock Exchange, in each case with effect from 8am this morning," it added in a statement.

News of the delisting was a formality after Mr Ashley's stake in the club passed the 90% level.

Last week, Mr Ashley announced that he had amassed a 94.5% stake in the club, but he also said he would extend his share purchase offer to remaining shareholders until August.