With rumours of a takeover bid from Saudi Arabia heating up, The Chronicle's Mark Douglas has offered fresh insight into what Amanda Staveley originally wanted at Newcastle United. 

The British businesswoman has spearheaded multiple attempts to pry the Tyneside club away from the grasp of owner Mike Ashley in the past. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Public Investment Fund, which previously spent millions on heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua's rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr, is the latest front-runner tipped to succeed the controversial chairman.

Douglas reports that "despite her own on-the-record denial (you see where heads start to spin here) it was an open secret that she was involved in an attempt to raise funds for a second crack at buying Newcastle while Benitez was in the final months of his deal at United: she had hoped to make enough progress to halt the Spaniard from leaving, or at least persuade him to sign a short extension to let her takeover attempt play out."

"He demurred, her attempts continued and last week, the Premier League was handed documents announcing the intention to move on."

According to the article, all of Staveley's hopes rested entirely on the shoulders of iconic manager Rafa Benitez and his departure threw a real spanner in the works. The Spaniard's exit left a bitter taste in the mouths of several Geordies (Chronicle).

The PIF is one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds in the world and was founded to invest in projects and events across the globe. Last week, The Telegraph revealed a proposed £340m offer appears to have taken a step towards signing the dotted line, with the governing body having been informed of a formal approach.

Many Newcastle fans have driven themselves crazy over any tiny mention of a potential suitor so many times throughout the years, and it is fair to say plenty will be preaching caution and patience.

Ashley has been subjected to harsh criticism from fans and pundits alike after a series of high profile blunders during the coronavirus pandemic and the billionaire has admitted he will sell the club if the price is right.

However, there is no doubt a large section of the Toon Army will remain sceptical, as his tenure in charge of St. James' Park has been dogged by links to megastars like Floyd Mayweather ever since the Englishman bought the Magpies from Sir John Hall all the way back in 2007.

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