Lee Ryder has dropped some enticing insight on what Mike Ashley has told those close to the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Arbitration set

The arbitration hearing between the North East club and the Premier League is seemingly not far away at all, as Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has reported that it is expected to begin at the end of June.

Ashley has also launched a separate anti-competition lawsuit against the English top flight over their decision-making process in the failed deal between him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium, which he is thought to be keeping in his back pocket in case the results of the arbitration proceedings do not go his way.

The Latest: Ashley insight

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has shared that Ashley has told those close to the potential deal that he remains 'furious' that the sale of the Tyneside club was blocked, and added that his 'endgame' is still to get the takeover bid to be pushed through.

Ryder also shared some insight into Ashley's separate anti-competition claim, as the chief executive of Sports Direct will argue that the Premier League's delaying of last summer's takeover process was 'on purpose', and top-flight officials and CEO Richard Masters 'knew' that it would eventually hinder the sale.

The Verdict: Arbitration key

At the end of the day, Ashley's feelings towards the Premier League over the failed takeover bid do not matter, so long as the St. James' Park faithful can win the arbitration case.

If the results are positive for the Magpies, then the separate anti-competition claim would no longer be needed, and so the proposed deal between Ashley and the KSA group could be pushed one step closer to completion.

However, they would still need full cooperation from the top flight, and ideally would want to get any deal done as quick as possible, given that the summer transfer window has already begun and the new 2021/22 season is set to start in August.

With that in mind, Ashley will have to keep a lid on his fury - the last thing the club needs is their infamous owner chastising Masters and co any further.

In other news, find out what Lee Charnley's stance is on the potential takeover here!