A report in the Shields Gazette claims a statement from prospective Newcastle United owners the Bin Zayed Group is expected imminently.
The article claims the content of a press release from the Middle Eastern group as already been drafted.
It adds that it may be a direct response to a weekend report in the Daily Mirror, claiming Mike Ashley blamed them for letting Rafa Benitez leave his managerial post at St James’ Park.
Fans will hope for more information than a mere response to that report, and will want some positive news, with time running out before the start of the season and the closure of the transfer window.
Some urgent questions need answers.
Is a deal for the football club close?
Fans need to know just how far down the line the deal is. With continued silence from the club regarding the alleged negotiations, conflicting reports and rumours keep coming.
Clairification is desperately needed.
What is the time-frame for a potential outcome?
Fans are rightly worried about what is happening at their club, and if there will be enough time for a deal to make a difference from the outset of the new season.
Some sort of time-scale would help ease their worries.
Was BZG behind the decision to let Rafa leave Newcastle?
If Ashley said it was raining outside, many fans would put their hands out of the window to check, such is the distrust of anything the current Newcastle United owner says and does.
Most will not believe it was BZG who made any such decision, but they would like to hear that from the group themselves.
Will BZG have any say in who to appoint as manager?
If a deal is close, it is not inconceivable that the potential owners could influence the current hierarchy with regard to the new manager to be appointed.
With time running short, there is little time for dilly-dallying to find a manager and then be active in the remainder of the transfer window.
Does BZG have a list of potential signings drawn up?
Similar to the previous point, there is very little time to make the deals necessary to be competitive next season.
Failure to bring in players – particularly strikers and a midfielder or two – could see Newcastle as relegation candidates before a ball is kicked.
If a deal is not done prior to the closure of the summer transfer window, it is unlikely to get done at all.
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