Lee Ryder has revealed what he describes as a 'bitter blow' to Newcastle United officials regarding their anti-competition case against the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Another delay

Back in May, it was reported that the top flight had been granted an extension to respond to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) claim with regards to the stalled takeover deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

However, the case has now been delayed further until September, adding on top of the separate arbitration claim being adjourned until early next year.

The Latest: CAT delay

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, football journalist and takeover follower Ryder has confirmed that the CAT claim has now been delayed until September, it what he describes as a 'bitter blow' to officials at St. James' Park.

He also claimed that the Premier League will continue to try to get the case thrown out, as a hearing date is yet to be confirmed.

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying that the CAT case has been delayed until September, especially given that the arbitration proceedings have also been delayed.

It means that the North East club will not have the embarrassment of riches that they would have had to spend in the summer transfer window, should both cases have gone to plan and a takeover was subsequently completed.

The Toon Army now face yet another season of uncertainty, and it is not a guarantee that Steve Bruce will be able to keep his team in the division this time around without some players coming in through the door, meaning that the takeover could still be put in jeopardy come next year when the arbitration process is set to begin.

In other news, find out which Premier League ace NUFC are in talks to sign here!