Buyout bid now in its final stages

NEWCASTLE United’s would-be owners are letting the Premier League get on with their job of completing the owner’s and director’s test as the club’s takeover drama approaches the end game.

A fresh spate of reports suggested delays have been caused following the presentation of new documents underlining links between Saudi Arabia’s government and pirate pay television broadcaster BeoutQ.

However, there were understood to be no red flags raised when beIN Sport raised their concerns to the Premier League recently and the final stages of the test are now being processed.

Further reports suggest rival Premier League clubs have opposed the deal on commercial concerns have also surfaced in the last 24 hours.

However, we understand the views of other clubs cannot influence the tests, especially as the process started over a month ago.

Newcastle’s future is now in the hands of top-flight bosses and if it gets the green light the next step would be for the funds to complete the £300million deal being paid into Mike Ashley’s accounts.

Ashley has stayed silent on the takeover story throughout but those close to him indicate he is a willing seller as the prospect of empty grounds and possible repayments to TV broadcasters lie on the horizon at St James’ Park.

Clubs have been told they may have to pay back £340million between them to domestic and international broadcasters even if the season resumes behind closed doors.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said on Monday: “We were able to update our clubs on our situation with broadcasters which is confidential.

“Whatever happens there is going to be a significant loss of revenue for clubs.”

The Premier League’s issues with Project Restart – and the disagreements between clubs and players on how the game returns – have also resulted in a slower process for Newcastle’s wait for owner’s and director’s tests.