After the joys of last weekend, Newcastle came crashing back down to earth on Wednesday evening.With the club on the verge of a takeover, a 3-0 win over Sheffield United is likely to have delighted PIF.Yet, their result against relegation-threatened Aston Villa is unlikely to have had the same impact in Saudi Arabia.It had been a long time since the Magpies had played, but it has also been a considerable period since rumours of a takeover first emerged on the scene.It's now been ten long weeks but there could eventually be a positive outcome in the days ahead.Journalists have speculated in recent days over when the takeover will finally be formally completed with suggestions seeming to claim it'll be wrapped up by the end of the week.Indeed, that was furthered on Thursday when Saudi Arabian sources seemed to declare their confidence things would get over the line.
Taking to Twitter, Shields Gazette journalist Miles Staniforth unveiled what he'd learned about the takeover recently, revealing there was optimism that the Premier League would soon approve the takeover.
In the tweet, he posts a story which tells us a little bit more about how PIF are feeling in their quest to buy the club from Mike Ashley.
Staniforth reports: "Has the Premier League now got the concessions and assurances it needs to approve the deal? Sources in Saudi Arabia believe it has, and there’s confidence in the kingdom that the deal will be approved in the coming days."
GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...
It's about time that news like this was received.
For days and weeks now, it's been claimed that a takeover was close but there wasn't really any information as to why that was.
However, with the Premier League seemingly receiving assurances that piracy is behind Saudi Arabia, a deal can be concluded for Ashley to sell the Magpies.
Ultimately, common sense has prevailed, with the takeover bringing the whole country into line when it comes to illegal broadcasts.
Saudi Arabia is already feeling the effects of the takeover before it's gone through, so just imagine what will happen once they finally walk through the doors of St James' Park.
For everyone involved, this is a positive piece of news, especially for the fans who have been waiting eagerly for it to go through.