BeIN Sports' Richard Keys has made the claim that Newcastle United could be under new ownership by the middle of this month - although it's not Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia leading the race.
The claim from Keys, who works and lives out in the Middle East, will be met with scepticism by United fans who have never agreed with his view on Mike Ashley, Rafa Benitez or the club as a whole.
Writing in his weekly blog, Keys said: "A couple of other things. Newcastle fans should hope that the group wanting to buy their club can pull things together by mid-February.
"They’re still at the table - and it’s not the Saudi’s.
"I was pleased when Steve Bruce cooled that nonsense.
"Well - it’s not the Saudi’s right now although it is fair to say they’ve been ‘sniffing’ around."
It's now been more than a week since news broke of reported interest in Newcastle from the Crown Prince, and his company the Public Investment Fund.
Amanda Staveley, a familiar name to United fans, is said to be leading the bid but Ashley has remained quiet on any potential deal.
It is thought at least two other groups are in talks to take the club from Ashley, although how advanced those discussions are remain unknown.
