Powerful businesswoman Amanda Staveley was in the stands at St James’ Park today for Newcastle United’s clash with Liverpool.

The financier - who has links with the Middle East and an estimated £28billion under her management – is believed to be keen to buy a Premier League club.

Staveley is the head of a massive investment group from the Middle East and has been researching potential clubs for those parties under her watch.

As reported on Chroniclelive last night, several interested groups have signed non-disclosure agreements and senior figures have held discussions with several parties about the options on offer from the Toon owner when it comes to new investment.

Therefore, the attendance of Prince Andrew’s former girlfriend is intriguing as talk grows that Newcastle are ready to bring in new investors or sell up and bring an end to Mike Ashley’s tenure in charge.

Ashley had said to Sky Sports this summer: “If somebody would like come along and take this seat and fund Newcastle with a nought on the end with their wealth more than me, I will not stand in Newcastle United’s way.

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“One of the reasons I’m doing this interview is that I don’t think you’ll find there’s many people out there who will actually stand up and do it.”