Former Sky Sports anchor Richard Keys has cast doubt over the Saudi-led takeover attempt of Newcastle United - and insists there is another bid on the table.
The well-publicised prospective deal remains in the hands of the Premier League and the latter stages of the owner’s and director’s test.
However, the potential takeover has drawn a host of criticism amid concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and their alleged piracy of live Premier League football.
The most recent headlines saw MP Karl McCartney call on the Government to intervene and block the Tyneside deal.
Keys claims exclusivity on the Saudi bid fronted by financier Amanda Staveley has now lapsed, and that American businessman Henry Mauriss has also lodged an offer to Magpies owner Mike Ashley.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS' Keys and Gray Show, he said: "I think there are some serious questions being asked now. I thought at the start of the week it might go through - it hasn't.
"The exclusivity has lapsed. There is another bid on the table - Henry Mauriss of Clear TV in the US.
"I'm not sure anymore whether this deal is going to get done. Mauriss has plenty of money, he would be the perfect replacement for a Saudi bid if it were to be the case that that bid is turned away."
Key also believes the recent criticism over alleged Saudi piracy shows how the issue is finally being recognised in the UK.
The anchor added: "I think people in the UK are beginning to understand the magnitude of the problem we first flagged here.
"This is not a deal that should be done because you can not reward theft. Do we allow those who mugged Dele Alli this week to sell their watches for a profit?
"It's the same thing and it shouldn't be allowed."
