But, despite all of the rumour and conjecture, claims and counter-claims, statements and radio silence from Newcastle United, Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley remains the owner at St James’s Park.
Sheikh Khaled, the Bin Zayed Group, some mystery Chinese, some more mystery Americans, GACP Sports, Peter Kenyon and Joseph DaGrosa – here’s every development in a summer that promised change and prosperity for United, but delivered nothing more than the status quo, with a dialling down of quality in the dugout, and on the pitch, as well as dwindling numbers on the terraces.
13. Friday, July 26 - Kenyon booted into touch by Ashley
Ashley: "Peter Kenyon convinced me last Christmas that it was going to get done. I'm never doing that again. I think I could own this football club for ever. That is my new mental state." Photo: Ryan Pierse
14. Thursday, September 26 - THAT brochure & Kenyon's return
The Daily Mail reveal Kenyon is back on the scene - this time with GACP Sports and Joseph DaGrosa. A 46-page brochure is circulated to the press - and although detailed, it is littered with basic errors. Photo: NICOLAS TUCAT
15. Friday, September 27 - A return to scepticism
United sources are sceptical about the Kenyon-led bid and the money behind it. Photo: NICOLAS TUCAT
16. Sunday, September 29 - Where is the money?
Journalist Martin Samuel, who revealed Ashley's thoughts on the takeover in the summer, suggests Peter Kenyon does not have the cash to complete a takeover, even side-by-side with his current investors. Photo: Matthew Lewis