If Carroll goes then Ashley might as well invest the money in a good quality lubricant, because the club will be buggered. No chance to bring in a replacement, not that Ashley would even spend the money required to get a player worth that sort of money in. It would be someone for £2-3m and the rest in his pocket.
He isn't worth £30m+, but he is the only striker we have capable of causing opponents problems week-in-week-out.
What would be the point taking the money for him to see the club relegated and turn in to a WBA-stylé yo-yo club.
I fully expect Carroll to be sold though. Ashley has never made a decision with anyone in mind but himself since he bought the club, so why would he change now.
Carroll's agent will see the dollar signs and his fee first too, so won't be surprised if in the next few hours he turns Carroll's head and says that, after all the off-pitch controversy, a move away from Newcastle will do him and his career the world of good. Then cue the transfer request and private jet waiting to fly from Newcastle to Liverpool John Lennon.