This is what Amanda Staveley has said about Newcastle United

However, Staveley has, at least publicly, said very little since first attempting to buy Newcastle United more than two years ago.

The financier is fronting a new bid backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund – and a £340million takeover could be finalised by the end of this week.

A source close to Mike Ashley, United’s owner, labelled previous discussions with Staveley “a complete waste of time” in January 2018 after they broke down.

At the time, Ripon-born Staveley responded in an interview with The Times. She labelled the claim as “hurtful and absurd”.

Staveley also spoke about her interest in Newcastle – the club and the city – and the North East itself.

“They’re such passionate fans – and it’s a great club,” said the 46-year-old. “I’m a northerner. My family home is an hour away from St James’s Park.

“I just love football, and Newcastle has a proper history and a real magic. That passion of the fans is vitally important when you’re looking at a club, because you know that you’re a custodian.

“I’m also a passionate believer in investment in the North East, because I know it’s tough. A lot of great things are happening in the city – we’ve got friends, like the Reubens (David and Simon), who have invested there – and it’s a really special place, with its own identity. It is absolutely unique.”