A group trying to buy Newcastle United have not only insisted their interest genuine, but they say they have already provided proof of funds to show they can match the £350m asking price and have submitted the relevant paperwork to the Premier League ahead of completing a takeover.

Although sources close to the club continue to privately deny that is the case and claim Newcastle’s owner, Mike Ashley, is yet to receive an official bid, they have not publicly denied anything said by the Bin Zayed Group this week.

Neither have the Premier League, who told Telegraph Sport on Wednesday afternoon they would not provide a “running commentary on a takeover that may or may not happen.” Adding that it was up to Newcastle to either confirm or deny whether the club was going to be sold.

Amid the confusion, there is no doubt Sheikh Khaled’s Bin Zayden Group have raised the stakes dramatically, effectively saying talks are so well advanced that they are waiting for the Premier League to confirm they pass its Fit and Proper Person’s Test for new owners before completing the takeover.

In their second public statement in the space of just three days, the managing director of the Bin Zayed Group, Midhat Kidwai, said they had been forced to respond to reports in the media that they have exaggerated the strength of their position.

Rafael Benitez credit: Reuters

"In consideration of the numerous speculations in regards to the timelines of the acquisition of Newcastle United Football Club by Bin Zayed Group, we feel the need to issue this statement,” said Kidwai.

"Terms have been agreed between us and Mike Ashley; these terms have been reflected in a document, signed by both parties, which has been forwarded to the Premier League.The proof of funds statement was forwarded to Mike Ashley’s lawyers on 17 April 2019.

“The so called fit-and-proper Premier League process is a standard procedure which will take time, and we are doing all we can to assist the Premier League during this process.

"We feel the need to clarify this point in order for the fans and the general public to understand the timelines."

If these claims are accurate, the proof of funds document was provided five days after Newcastle all but secured Premier League survival with a win at Leicester City and a month before Ashley met manager Rafa Benitez to try and thrash out the terms of a new contract.

At no stage in those discussions with Benitez, did Ashley indicate a takeover was close to being agreed and the club have repeatedly insisted to the Spaniard since news of the Bin Zayed Group’s interest emerged that it is business is usual as they look to begin their summer recruitment.

Benitez has still not signed a contract extension and has had no contact with anyone from the Bin Zayed Group, even though they are thought to be desperate to keep him.

Newcastle have refused to comment on the latest statement despite repeated attempts by Telegraph Sport to clarify the situation.