Mike Ashley insists Saudis are only buyers in town as PIF remain committed to takeover - Report

Saudi Arabia’s PIF and Mike Ashley are still committed to finalise the takeover of Newcastle United, according to PA Media’s Damian Spellman.

A year on from when the news broke, Ashley and his team are currently pursuing an arbitration case to push through the deal - by proving the separation of the Public Investment Fund and the Saudi Arabian Government.

It is understood that both Ashley and PCP Capital Partners - backed by the Reuben Brothers and the Saudi PIF - are still determined to push it through. It remains to be seen what next steps would be taken should we suffer relegation, however The Athletic have previously reported that the PIF would remain keen.

PA media, one of THE most reliable outlets, have been told that, “Ashley feels the sale has been agreed and simply needs to be rubber-stamped by the governing body.”

This comes just a day after former Roma owner James Pallotta may have an interest in purchasing Newcastle in the future, and has apparently already done due diligence on the club a while ago.

Having seen many ‘tyre kickers’ as Ashley calls them, come and go, it seems like he is only focusing on one deal which will take Newcastle to the next level.

Many fans have already given up with takeover talk a long time ago, which is not surprising given the amount of times it has been brandished around. As many people say, I’ll believe it when they’re standing on the St James’ Park pitch with an NUFC scarf above their heads!