Ashley will only care about the resale value of the club itself right now, and for that Premier League status is key. If it's a striker that Rafa wants and will actually use, unlike the one he has, then it's likely to be a goer.
Slimani by all accounts...
https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/islam-slimani-high-on-newcastle-s-shortlist-amid-reports-of-club-record-20m-striker-move-1-8975686