Lee Ryder has shared some insight from sources close to the potential takeover of Newcastle United on a possible timescale for arbitration.

The Lowdown: Arbitration date set

A date has now been set for the pending arbitration case between the St. James' Park faithful and the Premier League over the failed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The hearing has been set for July on an expedited basis, with the top flight being granted an extension to respond to the North East club's separate anti-competition lawsuit that has been launched against them.

The Latest: Possible arbitration timescale

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has shared that if there are no delays or roadblocks thrown down by PL chiefs, some close sources to the potential takeover feel that the arbitration case could take about three weeks.

It means that the Tyneside club will likely go into the new season with Ashley still as the owner, and the chief executive of Sports Direct will also be in charge of incomings and outgoings in the summer transfer window.

The Verdict: Timescale not ideal

If the arbitration hearing is likely to take as long as three weeks, then it is certainly not ideal going into the next campaign.

It means that the Magpies will have to be much more clever and careful with how much money that they spend in the window and how they spend it, whereas a completed takeover before the window would surely bring more freedom for Steve Bruce or any other manager.

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With fans proposed to come back into stadiums as well, there will be growing uncertainty and discontent that may translate onto the players on the pitch.

However, the Toon Army may not care how or when it happens so long as the takeover is completed.

In other news, find out what insight Mark Douglas has dropped on potential takeover investors here!