Newcastle United's Spanish Liga signings are being blamed for their relegation horror last season.

The Sunday Mirror says four players signed from La Liga outfits in the last 21 months - José Enrique, Fabricio Coloccini, Jonas Gutierrez and Xisco - are up for sale following the Magpies' relegation.

Another import, Ignacio Gonzalez who was signed on loan from Valencia, has already left without playing a senior game.

The five deals with La Liga clubs spread over the last two seasons brought Ashley a £27.5m bill in transfer and compensation payments. And the signings - of which Enrique, Coloccini, Gutierrez and Xisco were on lengthy and lucrative five-year contracts - added another £45m to the St James' Park wage bill.