And if and when that is confirmed, Steve Bruce can begin to look ahead to the summer as he searches to bolster his squad to try and avoid another relegation battle next season.
Over the previous two summer transfer windows, Mike Ashley, by his standards, has spent reasonably big but due to the impact of Covid-19, and hopes of a takeover still lingering, Bruce could have limited funds to work with.
If that is the case, the Magpies head coach will be required to box clever and potentially explore the free agent market, just like he did last summer with the arrivals of Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser.
We take a look at some of the top-flight players set to be out of contract at the end of the season – would you like to see any of these at St James’s Park?
1. Yasser Larouci
A young left-back with plenty of promise. The 20-year-old is seeking regular first-team football after appearing just twice for the Liverpool first-team, with Leeds United frequently linked. Photo: Alex Pantling
2. John Lundstram
The midfielder has stalled over a new contract at Bramall Lane since last year. Crystal Palace and Burnley have been regularly linked with the 27-year-old as he looks to remain in the Premier League. Photo: Gareth Copley
3. James McCarthy
McCarthy has been linked with Newcastle in the past but speculation has never come to fruition. The midfielder has certainly got plenty of good qualities in his locker but has arguably struggled to find them after his leg break in 2018. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
4. Danny Rose
Rose, 30, hasn’t featured in a senior match since playing for Newcastle United on loan from Tottenham in July 2020. With Jose Mourinho sacked, perhaps the left-back will be handed a fresh opportunity in North London. Photo: Alex Livesey