Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley, owner of Newcastle United, has revealed that he plans to open 200 gyms which will offer membership from just £5 per month.

"This will be affordable fitness on an unprecedented scale," said a spokesman for Sports Direct. “It will revolutionise the market by making private gym membership a realistic lifestyle choice for millions of people.”

The decision to move into low-cost gyms comes as two gym companies – Pure Gym and the Gym Group scrapped plans to merge.

The flagship gym will open in Aintree, next to a new Sports Direct store, next month with the second in Keighley in West Yorkshire.