According to reports in The Guardian, Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and the club's supporters hoping that a takeover will be completed quickly may be disappointed with "any sale understood to be months away rather than weeks".

What's the word, then?

The Guardian says that although matters appear to have accelerated since Ashley officially put the club for sale on Monday, no potential buyer has yet gained access to the St James' Park books.

While the report adds that financier Amanda Staveley is the fifth interested party to sign a non-disclosure agreement to signal the beginning of the due diligence process, Ashley is unlikely to get his wish of being rid of Newcastle United Football Club by Christmas.

One of the key issues may well be the Sports Direct supremo's £400m asking price, with The Guardian adding that Staveley for example valuing the club more around the £300m mark.

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What happens now?

Well, it remains to be seen whether the asking price will be a sticking point for potential buyers or if Ashley is willing to negotiate heavily on his demands in order to push through a quick sale.

What is for certain though is that those Newcastle supporters dreaming of a busy January transfer window should probably rein in their expectations a little, and remain patient.

The Magpies currently lie ninth in the Premier League standings following a positive start to the season, and they host Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on Saturday.