And if and when that is confirmed, Steve Bruce can begin to look ahead to the summer as he searches to bolster his squad to try and avoid another relegation battle next season.
Over the previous two summer transfer windows, Mike Ashley, by his standards, has spent reasonably big but due to the impact of Covid-19, and hopes of a takeover still lingering, Bruce could have limited funds to work with.
If that is the case, the Magpies head coach will be required to box clever and potentially explore the free agent market, just like he did last summer with the arrivals of Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser.
We take a look at some of the top-flight players set to be out of contract at the end of the season – would you like to see any of these at St James’s Park?
5. Nathaniel Clyne
Following an injury-plagued spell with Liverpool, Clyne returned to Palace last summer in order to get his career back on track. He has managed that to some degree with 13 appearances to his name this term. Photo: Pool
6. Robbie Brady
Brady was signed and played under Bruce at Hull City before joining Norwich City and then on to current club Burnley. The left-footed winger has struggled for form this campaign, which may suggest his time at Turf Moor is up. Photo: Clive Brunskill
7. Jeffrey Schlupp
From defence to attack, Schlupp can offer cover in a number of positions, a rare trait that managers may find hard to ignore. Let’s not forget, he was also a Premier League winner with Leicester City. Photo: Clive Rose
8. Danny Welbeck
The former England international has shown glimpses of his previous self at Brighton and Hove Albion this season, which will likely be enough to earn him a new deal on the south coast if he continues to stay fit. Photo: Mike Hewitt