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Newcastle United sources insist that the emphasis is still on the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and Amanda Staveley to make the deal happen.

Reports of the Middle East group taking the Magpies off Mike Ashley's hands have re-emerged this week but after being contacted by the Chronicle, Newcastle have maintained their "no comment" status.

The club are believed to have complied with the Premier League as far as paperwork is concerned but club sources insist that a deal has still not been agreed with Ashley.

The Toon owner is believed to be in the United States despite a troubled week last week as Sports Direct hit the headlines for the wrong reasons after an attempt to stay open amid the coronavirus pandemic.

We understand that dialogue with the PIF has been ongoing with Newcastle but while talk of paperwork being submitted to the Premier League is accurate, a concrete offer for United is yet to arrive.

Whether Ashley budges on his original £340million asking price remains to be seen but there is a feeling from the wannabe owners that he is on the ropes after issues with Sports Direct and a public club row with Newcastle season ticket holders.

However, Ashley's stance on the situation has not changed for some time and he is open to offers to sell.

Staveley has been interested in fronting the bid for Newcastle for three years and while fresh reports have generated some new hope for fans, the current regime feel they have been in this position before.

Those in the corridors of power at St James' Park have indicated to us that a deal to become the new owner is a simple process as the legal route is already set up through Dentons law firm and Ashley's company St James' Holdings.

And the feeling is from the current incumbent at United is that the ball is firmly in the court of the bidders to now make the deal happen.

If the right price is agreed they feel a deal can be done swiftly providing they are satisfied the funds are in place.