Lee Ryder has dropped a relegation claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the journalist has claimed that the future of the proposed deal between the Sports Direct chief executive and the consortium could be just eight weeks away from a 'major diversion', as the 2020/21 Premier League season would have ended by then and it will become clear whether or not the Tynesiders are relegated to the Championship.

However, Ryder added that Ashley looks like he is prepared to 'take another chance' as the current owner at St James' Park despite the possible repercussions of another season outside the top flight.

Relegation worry for Newcastle takeover

There is still a worry over whether the prospective bid would go through if Newcastle were in a lower division.

The KSA's Public Investment Fund (PIF) may not want to come back onto the table if the Magpies are not in the Premier League, while Ashley would certainly not be able to demand as much money from a sale if they were in the Championship.

Nonetheless, Ryder claims that the businessman is willing to take a chance of the Toon potentially finding themselves relegated come the end of the season, with their ultimate fate being sealed eight weeks from now.

In other news, find out what PIF claim Mark Douglas has dropped on the potential takeover after a beIN development!