Pundit makes SHOCK Newcastle United takeover claim amid Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia deal talk

White made the astonishing claims this morning, quoting sources close to the deal.

He said: “This bid is real. This is a lot further advanced than many people think.

“This could happen in the next 48/72 hours if everything goes right and (Mike) Ashley goes along with it."

Reports over the weekend from America suggested the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, with Amanda Staveley and London-based property magnates the Reuben brothers, were on the verge of brokering a £340m deal to prise United out of Ashley's hands, after 13 controversial years on Tyneside.

This morning, according to PA, Ashley is also locked in talks with TWO other potential buyers amid talk of a takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.