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:
21. Saturday, January 25 - It's ON, again!
Amanda Staveley is reportedly on the scene again, this time with PIF, the Saudi royals' investment portfolio. A deal of around £340million is reported in the Wall Street Journal. This one seems to have legs this time (we have all heard that before, I know). Photo: PAUL ELLIS
22. Saturday, January 25 - And he's not alone
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly joined by billionaire London property tycoons the Reuben brothers in a deal for United, brokered by Amanda Staveley. Photo: Dan Kitwood
23. Sunday, January 26 - Could this man be back?
Former Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly favoured as manager under the Saudi regime. Photo: Samuel de Roman
24. Tuesday, January 28 - TWO more enter the fray
Two more interested parties remain locked in negotiations with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, according to PA. We've all been down this road before... Photo: Pool