It’s been almost 18 months since PCP Partners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the Reuben brothers agreed to buy the Magpies for £300million before the Premier League (EPL) refused to approve the deal.
Mike Ashley has battled to resurrect the deal and has launched two legal challenges against the EPL – arbitration and an anti-competition case. The latter will soon be heard by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), to determine if the case can go further.
But this takeover saga started well before the Saudi-bid when Ashley again put the club up for sale in October 2017.
From the first beginnings to the very latest – scroll and click through the pages to see our takeover timeline:
5. Thursday, May 30 - Now this is getting serious!
It’s established through sources in the Middle East that Sheikh Khaled – BZG’s head – is a second cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour, after plenty of claims and counter-claims to the contrary. Photo: Francois Nel
6. Friday, May 31 - NDA!
Unofficial confirmation comes out that Newcastle and BZG have signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Photo: Stu Forster
7. Sunday, June 2 - Enter Mourinho?
The Sunday Mirror suggests Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger are preferred candidates to replace Rafa Benitez, whose deal ends on June 30. Photo: Claudio Villa
8. Wednesday, June 19 - The Sheikh is a 'serious player'
Dubai journalist and presenter Peter Redding said: “Here in the UAE local business people do not speak of wealth it is known as Haram (not allowed). But it is definitely safe to say he is a serious player.” Photo: Andrew Redington