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?
9. Christian Benteke
Benteke is having one of his better seasons at Crystal Palace with six goals in 24 appearances - and reports suggest Galatasaray are ready to swoop in for the former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker. Photo: CLIVE BRUNSKILL
10. Kean Bryan
The 24-year-old defender only made his Premier League debut in November but his performances in a poor Sheffield United team haven’t gone unnoticed with Fulham, Watford and Swansea reportedly keeping tabs on his situation. Photo: Pool
11. Olivier Giroud
A player who will likely demand big wages. He turns 35 in September, so you couldn’t fault him for eyeing one final big contract. The question is, will that come in the Premier League or elsewhere? We suspect the former. Photo: Fran Santiago
12. Ezgjan Alioski
A left-winger by trade but fielded as a left-back under Marcelo Bielsa. There are strong rumours suggesting Alioski is set to join Galatasaray as he prepares to leave Elland Road after four years. Photo: PAUL ELLIS