The key dates which could impact any Newcastle United takeover by Amanda Staveley, the Reuben Brothers and Saudi Arabia's PIF

Leaks in January, followed up by plenty rumour and conjecture, finally became reality this week when a flurry of activity published on Companies House showed the consortium lining up their ducks ahead of a what appears to be an imminent confirmation.

No timeframe has been suggested for the deal to be completed, but with things moving at a break-neck pace, an announcement may not be too far away?

But what could have a major impact on any deal going through? Here's FIVE key dates which could have a big impact on Mike Ashley's much anticipated exit strategy, which would herald the dawn of a new age on Tyneside.

Thursday/Friday, April 23/24

This date is significant in the Islamic lunar calendar as in 2020, this marks the start of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and sees believers across the planet fast during daylight hours.

Traditionally, this is a time when business and productivity slow down with people working irregular hours, and often turning their nights into days and vice-versa.

For this reason, you'd imagine much of the work needing done from the Saudi end would likely have to be done and dusted by then. According to reports, it seems to be.

According to people familiar with the culture, an announcement of this magnitude is unlikely during this period.

Thursday, May 7

From the first reports of an agreement on April 9, this marks four weeks - the accepted maximum length of time for an owners and directors test to take place with the Premier League.

There are no suggestions the Premier League have grounds for not allowing all named parties to pass said test.

Saturday, May 23

This is the day Ramadan comes to an end. The Middle East will then, after a short period of celebration, go back to some kind of normality.

Sunday, May 24

From the evening of Saturday, May 24 to the following night Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast".

Traditionally in Saudi Arabia homes are decorated and families gather for lavish meals, with everyone wearing new clothes and shoes. Money is given as a gift to children and the poor.

Could this also be the date when PIF hand Newcastle United fans a gift they'd always dreamed of?

Saturday, June 6

This is the 'working' date set for a return to football by the EFL, according to unconfirmed reports.

This is, of course, subject to change.

Could the indefinite return date, due to the coronavirus crisis, have an impact on any takeover? To the contrary, it seems to have hardened the Saudis' want to get a deal done, and hastened the exit of Ashley, who is juggling the safety of the rest of his business empire amid financial uncertainty.