Newcastle owner  convinced he will sell to Saudi consortium

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley remains convinced he will sell the club to the Amanda Staveley-led Saudi Arabian consortium.

PA Sport says Ashley feels the mooted £300m sale has been agreed and simply needs to be rubber-stamped by the governing body.

In the circumstances, speculation that former Roma owner James Pallotta could have an interest in the St James’ Park outfit barely caused a ripple on the River Tyne with all eggs confined to the same basket.

Ashley is concentrating on the one-party he knows has the financial backing and, he believes, the will to take Newcastle off his hands.

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It is understood that both seller and buyer remain willing to do business, although whether that would remain the case should the Magpies fail to retain their Premier League status, only time will tell.

Steve Bruce’s men sit three points clear of the drop zone with eight games remaining following Sunday’s 2-2 fightback draw with Tottenham, although they face a challenging run-in with Fulham hot on their heels.