Another week has passed by and rather unsurprisingly, Newcastle's takeover still needs to be confirmed. PIF have been waiting patiently, refusing to get frustrated over the rather farcical nature of the proceedings playing out. The Saudi Arabian's have been at the centre of piracy and a troubled human rights record but despite all of that, it appears a resolution is close.Richard Masters suggested that they were working on things two weeks ago and a solution would be close to being discovered.And according to beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys, that will become a reality at the end of the week.Key seems to think that everything will be wrapped up by Friday. Surprising news given everything up to this point has been delayed.However, George Caulkin played down a possible twist in the tale on Sunday evening.
In the past, it's been revealed that the Prince Investment Fund were looking at securing a commercial deal with Manchester United.Though, it appears those previous plans aren't going to get in the way of the Newcastle takeover.One fan asked Caulkin whether it would and despite him saying he didn't know, the fact he hadn't heard anything should probably be taken as gospel that nothing will happen with the Red Devils.After all, the reporter has been one of the most reliable throughout this entire saga.He took to Twitter say the following:
Intriguing news indeed.
GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...
If the Saudi's have dropped their interest in a deal with Man United, it can only be good news.
However, what the Magpies will be keen to avoid now is PIF trying to take on Marseille as well.
Only a few weeks ago it was confirmed by a Saudi political expert that Mohammed Bin Salman was also keen to invest in French football but it remains to be seen whether that move materialises.
If it does play out during their ploy to buy a stake in Newcastle it could become somewhat of a distraction. Even if they do secure a move to St James' Park, it would not be ideal if they decided to shift their focus elsewhere.
Although Manchester City and Sheikh Mansour have managed it well with the City Football Group, owning various teams around the globe, Newcastle are a significantly tougher task to sort out.
They have bounced between the Premier League and Championship too much for the Toon Army's liking and they now need stable ownership following the reign of Mike Ashley. They need PIF to put all of their eggs firmly in one basket.