Premier League chief Richard Masters talks Newcastle United takeover as tests on Saudi deal stretch into week EIGHT

The league’s owners and directors test has been active for around eight weeks, by reasonable estimates, and still the wait for a decision, good or bad, goes on.

Earlier this year a bid worth around £300million was thrashed out with Mike Ashley, with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia set to buy out an 80% stake in the club. Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners are set to buy the remaining 20%, split 50-50.

Ashley has effectively wiped his hands of the club in recent weeks, while leaks from the buyers’ side have suggested the tests and the deal are as good as done.

But in an interview with Sky Sports, Masters refused to be drawn on the confidential testing process.

“I can't get into that,” he said when asked about where the PIF, Reubens and PCP deal stood.

“The takeover of football clubs is done by the owners and directors test.

“That process is entirely confidential so I can't say anything about it. I can't say anything to prejudice that process.”

When specifically asked whether the test had begun, Masters replied: “I can't even say that. This is confidential.”

On timescale, Masters expanded a little.

He said: “I don't think timing is an issue here.

“I don't think we have any specific views about when this needs to be done by.

“What we need to ensure is that all of the processes are followed properly and when the decision is made it is the right one.”

The United takeover has been far from straight-forward, with criticism coming from a number of angles since the deal came to light in January.

Human rights groups have voiced their concerns, as have, according to reports, other Premier League shareholders.

The Premier League’s owners and directors tests are, as a guide, supposed to take between two to four weeks.

United could well have returned to action as part of the league’s ‘Project Restart’ – in just 22 days – before any firm call has been made on ownership.