Financier Amanda Staveley values Newcastle United at £303.7million - according to London newsagency Reuters.

The claim suggests that the firm that Staveley is leading - PCP Capital Partners - would be keen to bid below previously reported valuations of around £380-£400million.

The Reuters report read: “PCP, which has not yet put in an offer for Newcastle United, believes the club is worth around 300 million pounds with a further 150 million pounds needed to invest in players over the next two years, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not public.

“The club has said they were willing to listen to offers that would be capable of ‘delivering sustained investment’ towards achieving their ambitions in the top flight.”

What is the timescale on a Newcastle takeover?

Only four interested parties have signed non-disclosure agreement forms but there is thought to be interest from China, the Middle East and the United States.

United released the following statement on Monday: “As a result of increasing press speculation regarding the future of Newcastle United, the owner of the club, St James Holdings Limited, wishes to clarify its intentions.

“As one of the Premier League’s oldest and best supported football clubs - and for the benefit of its many fans and supporters in the UK and across the world - Newcastle United requires a clear direction and a path to a bright and successful future.”