The hopes of Newcastle United fans seeing the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium at St. James' Park may have potentially been boosted as The Athletic have reported that the Saudis remain as determined as ever to buy the Tyneside club from Mike Ashley.

This follows an official statement made by the Magpies that confirmed that they have issued arbitration proceedings against the Premier League.

The statement goes on to say that it is unclear as to when those proceedings would be resolved, given the approach of the English top flight and its lawyers.

Nonetheless, the Toon Army are continuing to use its best efforts to press for a fair, full and timely hearing of its claim.

What does this mean in terms of the Newcastle takeover?

Indeed, the fact that NUFC have confirmed that they have issued arbitration proceedings against England's highest division means that the whole legal dispute may well end up in a court case in where the lawyers of the EPL and indeed its chief executive Richard Masters will battle those chosen to represent Ashley, potentially including the highly regarded Nick De Marco QC.

Not only could the hopes of reviving the failed £300m deal between the KSA Group and Ashley be boosted by a possible settlement in court, but the added claim that the Saudis remain as determined as ever to buy the club will surely come as a welcome boost to supporters.

Nonetheless, it is anyone's guess as to what conclusion the judges would come to if indeed the matter was taken to a court case.

In other news, find out which Newcastle star has been ruled out of the clash against Chelsea here!