As Newcastle prepare to take on Manchester City on Sunday in the FA Cup, they will be playing in their first quarter-final for 14 years.And, for many reasons, it's felt like the Toon Army have been waiting that long for their takeover to be formally completed.Had PIF already walked through the doors of St James' Park then it would have been a tussle of two Middle Eastern owned sides.Sheikh Mansour has done wonders at the Etihad Stadium but it remains to be seen what kind of impact Mohammed Bin Salman has in the north-east.That's providing the takeover does actually go through.It feels unlikely that things will be announced this week unless it's before the game with City, which means by the time Monday arrives, talks will be in their 11th week.It feels an age since PIF first submitted their £300m bid but it does feel like we're in the latter stages now.
It was claimed by journalist Alan Nixon on Friday afternoon that the Premier League just wanted the Saudi's to do a TV deal in order for things to be ratified.And indeed, George Caulkin confirmed in fresh claims that there has indeed been a direct line of contact between the division's top officials and the Prince Investment Fund.
Taking to Twitter, the Athletic reporter stated:
This was a hugely interesting insight into just how the takeover was being discussed and completed.
GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...
What this news potentially means, is that Mike Ashley is the most clued up in the whole takeover.
Because the Premier League deals with the sellers before the buyers, he will likely know before anyone else whether he's finally got the chance to leave Tyneside.
It's something that would delight Newcastle supporters, fans who have protested against the owner for years.
A fresh start is exactly what the club wants and they'd receive that if PIF walks through the door.
Much has been made about their financial muscle - the very fact they've been linked with players like Kai Havertz says as much.
It would represent a considerable difference to the Ashley era where the Magpies failed to break their transfer record on a regular basis. That was until Joelinton arrived - just look at how that worked out.
Hopefully, for everyone on Tyneside, things will work out better if they spend this summer.