It is the news Newcastle fans have been dreaming about for years - a big-money takeover and the possible departure of Mike Ashley. But how does a deal actually happen? Our expert reveals all.

Newcastle's first team stars have launched a bid to save boss Steve Bruce with the club's prospective new owners keen to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as manager, according to The Sun.

The £300m deal is awaiting the League's approval but that process is understood to have been held up given the complexity of broadcast piracy allegations against the Saudi state.

The Colombian has been the main goal threat for Steven Gerrard's side and has scored 28 goals in all competitions this season, and his potent record has attracted a number of potential suitors.

CHRIS FOY - WORLD OF RUGBY: It is up to the RFU and Premiership Rugby to provide some urgent clarity so the Newcastle Falcons can save themselves.

Adam Armstrong has completed a permanent move to Blackburn from Newcastle. The 21-year-old enjoyed a fine spell at Ewood Park on loan last season scoring nine goals.

Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray believes Bradley Dack is too good to be 'languishing in the middle of the Championship' - and he is right. How Newcastle must give him the platform he clearly deserves.

There are still four spots up for grabs in the fourth round of the FA Cup and three of those will be decided on Tuesday night. Follow all the LIVE action from around the grounds with Sportsmail.

CRAIG HOPE AT EWOOD PARK: Newcastle booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to extra-time goals from Joselu and Ayoze Perez on Tuesday evening.

The reality star, 41, displayed her toned physique as she donned a cream crop top with red and black stripes as she partied with her pals.

The Geordie Shore star, 29, teased a glimpse of her toned abs in a cropped black zip-up top and burgundy gym leggings.

The Geordie Shore star, 30, has given fans a glimpse of her luxury new Newcastle home, which she bought earlier this year, featuring plush velvet furnishings and a walk-in wardrobe.

The Magpies are close to finalising a £300million takeover by a Saudi Arabian consortium which is backed by the country's public investment fund.

The Premier League club are nearing a change of ownership after a £300million bid by a Saudi Arabia-lead consortium was accepted by controversial owner Mike Ashley.

Miguel Almiron's superb assist for Paraguay in their Copa America draw with Argentina has earned a tongue-in-cheek comparison to Lionel Messi from Newcastle.

Steve Bruce did not know Sean Longstaff had a younger brother on Newcastle's books until five weeks ago - but is now ready to start sibling Matty against Leicester on Wednesday.

England cricket legend Andrew Flintoff has recalled how Newcastle boss Steve Bruce once bailed him out of a sticky situation at a restaurant after his credit card had maxed out.

The 26-year-old has drawn comparisons to Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak and Manchester City's Ederson. However, Benfica will only sanction a sale if Vlachodimos' £53m release clause is met.

The Brandling Villa in Gosforth, Newcastle, serves the burger with a Greggs sausage roll piled on top of two patties, baked beans and cheddar cheese.

It appears that current owner Mike Ashley is edging forever closer to selling the club to a bid led by Amanda Staveley which is backed by the wealth of the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

Newcastle United has a tradition where players and staff greet one another with a handshake every morning but manager Steve Bruce admitted: 'We've stopped on the advice of the doctor'.

Home buyers looking to get onto the housing ladder for the first time can now access a deal that will boost their deposit savings by £2,000.

The BBC, another key Premier League partner, has also complained to the European Commission about Saudi Arabia regarding TV piracy, which could scupper state's bid to buy Newcastle.

The Colombian playmaker is widely expected to leave the club this summer after suffering from a string of injuries and poor form, and his countryman believes he would be a perfect fit at Old Trafford.

Gary Neville says Manchester United have gone backwards after selling Marouane Fellaini, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku but urged them to 'hold their nerve' with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Rondon spent the entirety of the 2018-19 season on loan at Newcastle from West Brom and scored 12 goals in 33 appearances, which saw him crowned the club's player of the year.

The Christmas decorations are being taken down and New Year's Resolutions are already being broken. The third-round of the FA Cup is now upon us after a festive flurry of football.

Robinson was left distraught when his £10m deadline-day move to AC Milan collapsed at the last minute in January. However, he could be set for a big Premier League move this summer.

Longstaff is one of the top flight's lowest earners but has still put money towards the NHS' fight against coronavirus as part of the Premier League's 'Players Together' initiative.

Documents lodged last week and made public on Tuesday appear to be laying the legal framework for a deal to proceed. Sources close to the club say it is proof of talks being advanced.

Despite putting their scouting and recruitment staff on furlough and discussions ongoing over a potential £350m takeover, club executives are pressing ahead in their attempt to sign Soumare.

KIERAN GILL: Amanda Staveley could be about to become the new First Lady of Football. She is thought to have a personal fortune of £115m-plus, and is no stranger to the limelight.

CRAIG HOPE: Newcastle United are in talks with Amanda Staveley over the sale of the Premier League club. So is this finally the end of Mike Ashley's 13-year reign as owner?

The Italian left Juventus at the end of last season and has been out of work since, despite being linked with a host of teams across Europe.

EXCLUSIVE BY MIKE KEEGAN AND CRAIG HOPE: Sources have disclosed that all the necessary paperwork has been lodged, and that the potential deal now awaits their approval.

Newcastle's potential new owners believe that the finances of the £300m takeover mean there will be no need to continue the controversial furlough scheme, according to the Telegraph.

A deal worth £300million from Saudi Arabia's Private Investment Fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brothers to take control of the club from current owner Mike Ashley is close to being finalised.

Mike Ashley is close to sealing the £300million sale of the Premier League club to a consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley, which has been backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Steve Bruce was an unpopular choice to replace Rafael Benitez, but Sam Allardyce insists Newcastle must stick with the former Sunderland boss once the takeover is complete.

Mike Ashley's 13-year ownership of Newcastle is nearing the end. His £300m sale of the club is now in the hands of the Premier League, and he is 'closer than ever' to getting his wish.

EXCLUSIVE BY CRAIG HOPE: Sources close to the £300million deal being brokered by Amanda Staveley say it would be 'wrong' to make an immediate managerial change.

Jenas, who played for the Magpies in the Champions League, thinks the buyers will want to revolutionise his former side and bring back the ambition that was lacking under Ashley

Should the Reuben brothers play an integral part in Mike Ashley departing Newcastle United, Ant and Dec might suddenly find they have competition as the Toon's favourite double act.

The bid to take over the club is being chaired by Mohammed bin Salman, who is the defence minister. He oversaw the devastating Yemen attacks that caused a humanitarian crisis.

Arturo Vidal is reportedly set to leave Barcelona this summer on the cheap, as his contract is set to expire in June 2021. Newcastle have emerged as contenders to sign the Chilean international.

Mark Jenson is the co-founder of The Mag, now the leading independent website on all things Newcastle United. He speaks out about what it is like to support a team owned by the retail giant.

HELEN CAHILL - CITY CORRESPONDENT: Saudi fund boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan is in the final stages of taking over as chairman of Newcastle United, sources told Sportsmail.

A huge £200million will be handed to Newcastle boss Steve Bruce by the club's prospective new owners as part of an ambitious plan to return the Geordie club to Champions League contenders.

Sources have disclosed that cash has now exchanged hands - with the remainder of the balance due when the Premier League approves the change of ownership.

Longstaff, who burst onto the scene when he scored the match-winner against Manchester United, is out of contract on June 30 and talks over a new deal have stagnated in recent months.