Britain's second-richest family could be involved in the potential takeover of Newcastle United.
Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that the Premier League side were
It is suggested Saudi Arabia’s sovereign-wealth fund would be the majority partner, together with a group of investors organised by Amanda Staveley.
And it has now emerged that British billionaires David and Simon Reuben are part of the consortium of investors.
The British businessmen were named as the second-richest family in the UK Sunday Times Rich List in 2019.
The brothers, who were born in Mumbai, are believed to be worth around £18.7bn, with their fortune built on real estate and technology.
There are said to be plans for David's son Jamie, 33, to play an executive role at St James' Park if the deal is done.
The brothers are both believed to be Chelsea fans but have now turned their attentions to Tyneside.
Newcastle fans will be sceptical after several years of aborted or false claims being made from parties said to want to buy the club.
There have been many businessmen trying to scrape together the cash to meet Ashley's demands, but he has pledged only to sell if to someone with the clout to invest and revamp the club.
Newcastle have yet to comment on the claim.
Ashley, who bought United for £134m and has loaned the club £110m, met Steve Bruce two weeks ago and sanctioned January transfer plans.
The club is looking secure in the Premier League and likely to avoid relegation, making it a more saleable asset.
