Everything at Newcastle suddenly looks rather murky.

The Magpies returned to action with a bang once football restarted as they demolished Sheffield United. However, since then, their results have been filled with inconsistencies, being thrashed by Manchester City and then losing to Watford.

That result against the Hornets was not what Saudi Arabia would have wanted to see, particularly with fears of the takeover not going through still lingering in the air.

It's now been well over three months since the Prince Investment Fund first submitted a bid to buy a stake in the club from Mike Ashley.

However, we are still no closer to discovering whether they will eventually walk through the doors of St James' Park.

Excitement is growing in the Middle East, and why wouldn't it be? The United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia have come together to trade arms again, lifting the prospect of a potential takeover on Tyneside.

Journalist Mark Douglas has previously issued claims that PIF won't formally become owners until the end of July or even August, but writing over the weekend, he made another reveal.

MBS

Douglas was laying down some of the fundamental issues surrounding the takeover, answering questions about the feelings from both sides and how long it could be before we hear an announcement.

Although he thinks we may have to wait until August for now, he did come out with some more positive news on the matter.

Writing on ChroniceLive, Douglas stated:

"Southampton's ownership situation took nine months to unravel. Newcastle feels more urgent than that and the word from the consortium is that while it has frustrated the investors, there's no prospect of Saudi Arabia's PiF walking away from the deal."

Ashley

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

Not much has come out of the American side of the takeover in recent days but the fact that Saudi Arabia are still so interested should officially rule Henry Mauriss out.

The US entrepreneur lodged a bid of £350m to buy the club, more than PIF had submitted but his plans haven't really materialised.

In some ways, this is good, but in others, it's not hugely promising. If Mohammed Bin Salman's attempts aren't eventually rewarded, then they will need a plan B to fall back on.

Steve Bruce

Mauriss could well come back into contention but since he rejected claims that Qatar Sports Investment are backing his bid, there has been no further updates on the entrepreneur's involvement in proceedings. 

For now, it is very much all about PIF and Saudi Arabia.