Rafa Benitez's return to Newcastle United as boss was never a stipulation of the club's Middle East takeover - meaning his impending Premier League comeback with Everton won't affect potential new ownership.
It was Benitez, through his contacts, that brought Amanda Staveley to the table at St James' Park when PCP Capital Partners tried to buy the club four years ago.
And at that stage the plan was for Benitez to be backed by Staveley and co.
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Since then things have moved on - and in a different direction - with Benitez never an automatic choice for Staveley, the Reuben brothers and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Indeed at one stage last summer it was Mauricio Pochettino who was being touted to be the head coach under a possible new regime.
But even then that was never confirmed and current boss Steve Bruce was set to get the chance to work for new owners to begin with.
So in short, Benitez's appointment at Everton has nothing to do with anything takeover wise and there has been no change on whether it will be passed or not as legal proceedings continue.
Benitez's first job back in England after a stint in China with Dalian Pro will see him take over at Goodison Park.
It sets up a return to St James' Park next February but the clash on Merseyside comes first on December 28.
By that time fans will hope the takeover fate will be sealed one way or another as the Premier League battle Mike Ashley and St James' Holdings in court.
