Lee Ryder has shared what Mike Ashley has told the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium amid their latest Newcastle United takeover stance.

The Lowdown: Arbitration delay

The arbitration case between the St. James’ Park faithful and the Premier League over the failing of the takeover deal between Ashley and the the consortium has been delayed until early next year because of issues with the disclosure of evidence.

The hearing was expected to take place this month, but now further delays have been implemented, meaning that the North East club will now go into another season with yet more uncertainty.

The Latest: Ryder latest

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder, who has been following the whole takeover saga closely, has shared that Ashley has assured the consortium that the ‘door will remain open’ for them to complete a deal.

However, some observers of the takeover bid have concerns that they will ‘lose patience’ with the process and the top flight eventually.

The Verdict: Limbo

The Tyneside club have very much been left in limbo by the news that the arbitration proceedings have been delayed even further, adding to the delays that they have already been forced to put up with.

While holding the process until next year is certainly not ideal, it at least means that there is still a chance that the takeover can be completed eventually, providing that the results go in the favour of the Magpies.

Nonetheless, with a large chunk of the summer transfer window already gone and the new 2021/22 season a matter of weeks away now, the Toon Army now has to put up with what is a very uncertain time for the future of NUFC.

In other news, find out what club insiders are looking for amid the takeover twist here!