Saudis plan to renegotiate takeover bid if Newcastle go down...not walk away - George Caulkin

On a recent 'Pod on the Tyne' podcast, The Athletic's George Caulkin clarified that the Saudi consortium WOULD still be interested in purchasing the club even if we were to be relegated.

The caveat, however, is that they would be expected to haggle for a new, lower price.

This of course raises more questions with Mike Ashley as he would, of course, prefer the originally agreed price, but it's welcome news for anyone fearing relegation being the be all and end all - especially when we'll be just three points clear of the drop zone should Fulham beat Sheffield United before we face Man Utd on Sunday.

I feel I must clarify that my personal view on this is that we would not repeat our previous Championship escapades and that I do not believe Ashley would sell for less than he believes he can get. I hope that I’m wrong, of course, but optimism doesn’t extend into a Championship campaign, for me.

What also needs to be noted is that even if the consortium were to take over in the Championship, they would still have to take the Owners and Director’s test if Newcastle were to be promoted.

So, it is vitally important that, if this takeover is to happen, any sort of confusion on whether this rests on political issues or is truthfully about ownership questions, it is all put to rest as soon as possible for a clear future.

Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE