PIF takeover of Newcastle United announcement 'imminent' as Mike Ashley 'switches off' to deal

The confirmation of the takeover of Newcastle United by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners could come before June 1.
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Reports in the nationals claim the Saudi-led consortium are aiming towards next month for an official announcement, but this paper understands the buyers are hopeful it could come sooner after weeks of delays.

The celebration of Eid is not expected to have an impact on any announcement, as a month of fasting for Ramadan comes to an end in the Islamic world.

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The consortium will have ultimate control over when the deal is put out, but are still waiting for official confirmation of ratification from the Premier League, who have been conducting their owners and directors test for six weeks.

OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Mike Ashley owner of Newcastle United talks to managing Directory Lee Charnley ahead of the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Mike Ashley owner of Newcastle United talks to managing Directory Lee Charnley ahead of the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Mike Ashley owner of Newcastle United talks to managing Directory Lee Charnley ahead of the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

As Mike Ashley turns his attentions to reopening his Frasers Group stores to the public from June 1, as confirmed in a statement to the stock exchange, his desire to get the deal done has heightened, with the Sports Direct tycoon having switched off to the prospect of a future on Tyneside some time ago.

This paper also understands that the club's playing staff expect the deal to be confirmed imminently.

Meanwhile, former Premier League winner with Arsenal, Ray Parlour, believes Newcastle are the type of club who can break the big club monopoly in the top flight.

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Speaking on his regular slot on TalkSPORT, Parlour said: "It could be a very exciting time because they have got the fanbase.

"If they can throw money into it, buy the right players and spend the money you can definitely see them getting into that top six or top four.

"The only way Newcastle can go is up so I think it is a very good job for someone.

"You always feel with Newcastle that they have the potential to jump into that top six, like the Kevin Keegan era, but it does need investment.

"The new manager, or if it is Steve Bruce, if they can get the investment right then I think Newcastle could be a giant of a club."