Newcastle United's delayed takeover 'doesn't bode well', according to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards.Supporters of the Magpies are waiting with bated breath after news broke two months ago about a prospective £300million deal to buy the club.Amanda Staveley is the figurehead of the Saudi-backed consortium who are said to be leading the charge for the club, but so far there’s been no news of a confirmed deal.The club are currently waiting on a verdict from the Premier League as to whether the £300million deal can go ahead.Meanwhile, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) are preparing to make a ruling on whether Saudi Arabia's government has been involved in the illegal streaming of sports events.If a breach is found, it would all-but end their hopes of completing a deal for the Premier League side.That report will be revealed soon, with the WTO's director general, Roberto Azevedo recently quizzed on when a decision will be made.Speaking to Andrew Marr on the BBC, Azevedo said: "I can't tell you exactly when, but it's going to come."The dispute is still ongoing, it's still under confidential procedures and therefore I cannot comment at all on the subject."But that's one of the good things about the WTO. Very sensitive issues like that can be dealt with. There will be a ruling. Our members are going to respond to those rulings."It's entirely up to them but this is one way of depoliticising and reducing the tension on very critical issues like those."Responding the the current situation, Edwards said that while he's not an expert, the stance of the WTO doesn't bode well given their strong views on the allegations.
He said: "Hearing the WTO report condemns Saudi Arabia in the strongest possible terms over piracy.
"Does not bode well, but what do I know, I’m not a lawyer?"
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
While patience is obviously key during such uncertain times, you can hardly blame the Newcastle United fans for growing restless.
For many, a potential announcement of a full takeover is exactly what they’ve been wishing for several years while enduring a turbulent reign under Mike Ashley.
The Sports Direct owner has been a hugely unpopular figure on Tyneside, and that’s why talk of interest from the Saudi-based consortium is such a hot topic of conversation.
But Newcastle fans must still be cautious.
If anyone knows what it’s like to see their club owned by an unpopular figure, it’s Newcastle United fans.
That’s why they must remain patient – after all, the last thing they want is to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.