Newcastle United supporters have been starved of success and excitement for far too long under Mike Ashley, but recent reports suggest that the end of his tenure is in sight. 

Reports concerning an imminent takeover at St James' Park have gone quiet in recent days. According to a recent report from Betaville (via Shields Gazette), Ashley is putting the finishing touches to a deal to sell the club.

That report was published exactly one week ago and no further announcements have been made, but it seems incredibly unlikely that a takeover isn't brewing beneath the surface based on the tone of the article.

Naturally, Newcastle supporters will be wary of getting overly carried away as they were placed in a comparably optimistic position last season when Amanda Staveley was reportedly interested in buying the club.

But there's no doubt that the potential takeover will dare fans to dream, and why not after what they have suffered under Ashley's leadership.

The extent of the potential owner's financial power is yet to be revealed, but it's likely that they will be hoping to make a huge statement of intent if and when they complete the takeover.

With that being said, the club should have their eye on Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek - a player who possesses the wow factor which the Magpies have been desperately short of in recent years.

First-team opportunities have been at a premium for the 10-cap England international under Maurizio Sarri, with just 93 minutes of Premier League football providing evidence to hint that he is disillusioned with the direction in which his career is heading.

Brimming with potential and technical quality, Loftus-Cheek (valued at £16.2 million by Transfermarkt) is being wasted at Stamford Bridge, so a move to a club who are willing to offer him regular first-team football should strongly appeal to him in January.

Kenedy's presence on a season-long loan will prevent Newcastle from completing a temporary deal for Loftus-Cheek, but that should suit a club who have been crying out for progressive and permanent transfers since they returned to the Premier League.

A player of Loftus-Cheek's calibre would steal hearts on the terraces at St James' Park with his powerful approach in central midfield - now it's down to Ashley to sell up to new investors who are willing to give the fans what they want.

Newcastle fans - thoughts? Let us know below!