Newcastle owner Mike Ashley offers £1m incentive for victory over Arsenal

Mike Ashley: Huge financial incentive for win over Arsenal

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will share out £1m between the club's non-football staff if they beat Arsenal in their final game of the season on Sunday, Sky sources understand.

Arsene Wenger's side must beat Newcastle at St James' Park to guarantee a top-four finish and with it the opportunity to play Champions League football for the 16th consecutive year.

Arsenal's North London rivals Tottenham face Sunderland at White Hart Lane, knowing they could pip the Gunners to fourth spot if they slip up on Tyneside.

Newcastle could yet finish as high as 10th if they beat Arsenal and Ashley is understood to have offered an unusual incentive to his side.