Newcastle United supporters have been drowning their sorrows in the Transfer Tavern in the last few days after seeing the Magpies go down 3-2 at home to Leicester City on Saturday, thus suffering their sixth Premier League defeat in seven matches.

Rafa Benitez’s men made a decent start to life back in the top tier by winning four of their opening nine matches, but they have since then suffered an alarming slump in form to plummet down the table. And Saturday saw the North East giants lose for a sixth time in seven matches as goals from Riyad Mahrez, Demarai Gray, and an Ayoze Perez own goal were enough to secure Claude Puel’s side all three points at St James’ Park, despite Joselu giving the hosts an early lead and Dwight Gayle netting to make it 2-2 20 minutes from time.

Thus, there have been many deflated Newcastle fans in the Tavern in recent times, yet they are likely to be intrigued by a recent report from The Daily Mirror, which suggests that there could be an answer to the ongoing takeover saga within the next fortnight.

And that’s because reports suggest that owner Mike Ashley has two weeks to complete the sale of the football club, be it to businesswoman Amanda Staveley or other suitors, of which there reportedly could be two, or else find himself in a predicament ahead of the January transfer window.

Staveley made a £250 million offer for the North East giants last month, which has yet to be decided upon by Ashley in news which is beginning to seriously concern our resident Magpies fans.

And recent reports suggest that Ashley is facing a make-or-break two weeks, as failure to complete the sale of Newcastle could result in the Sports Direct boss having to fund Benitez’s January transfer plans himself.

And with time ticking towards to the New Year, the next two weeks look set to be crucial in the club’s immediate future, as well as Benitez’s hopes for funds in the January transfer window.

Landlord’s verdict: Newcastle United’s alarming run of form has plunged them towards the Premier League’s relegation zone, further highlighting manager Rafa Benitez’s need to strengthen his ranks in January if they are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

Yet the proposed takeover of the club remains in limbo, and recent reports suggest that the next two weeks will be crucial as failure to complete the sale of the Magpies could see current owner Mike Ashley fund the January transfer window himself, despite wanting to sell the club.

And with just three weeks to go until the reopening of the window, the North East giants, notably Ashley, are facing a vital few weeks in the future of their club, which could have repercussions on both the player and management front.

Newcastle fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know!