Former Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness has offered his verdict on the reported imminent takeover at St. James Park.
The Liverpool legend believes that the Saudi Arabian PiF must see Newcastle as "a real deal" for them and believes that they boast to funds to have launched takeovers with some of the world's biggest clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool.
“I think that with the kind of money behind the sovereign brothers and the Reuben brothers they could go out and buy anyone they wanted," he told Sky Sports.
"Historically, these investors look beyond football as to where they can make money outside of the football clubs. Whether it’s a property deal, I don’t see that being the case at Newcastle.
"Are they going to throw a lot of money at it going forward? We’ll have to wait and see. I think it’s quite a strange one. The kind of money they have behind them, they could go and buy anyone they wanted, including Manchester United and Liverpool.
"It will be an interesting watch going forward."
The pace seems to be gathering for the takeover to be completed in a move that would see Mike Ashley's long-term association with the club finally come to an end.
"Generally, with these things, you don’t hear about them until it’s serious," he continued.
"It has dragged on for a long time. There is clearly enormous interest from the Middle East and I think it will be welcomed by supporters.
"Mike Ashley was seen as a saviour going in there as an extremely wealthy man. But as wealthy as he is, the Premier League is a very expensive place to operate today if you are looking to spend your own money. I think he quickly realised that.
"They are looking for someone to come in with fresh interest and to get them to where they think they should be, the top end of the league and maybe back into the Champions League.
He added: "I think it will be welcomed by every Newcastle United supporters and I think Mike Ashley wants out. He has made that clear as long as he is offered the right price."
