As George Caulkin explained on The Athletic yesterday, a consortium including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), financier Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers, David and Simon, are hoping to negotiate a £300 million-plus deal with Mike Ashley to buy Newcastle United.



The supporters have been here and been disappointed before, so quite understandably cynicism will remain the default setting until any agreement is concluded.



Many outsiders, meanwhile, struggle to understand why Newcastle fans are so desperate for Ashley to depart. They cannot entirely comprehend that those supporters have seen what the club can — and arguably should — be, which is something far removed from what it is right now.



If ever there was a club ripe for a takeover it is Newcastle, who have been defined by their potential for too long. To bring about a significant moment of change on and off the pitch.



In order for them to do so, The...