July has been bigged up as the month where things finally start moving into place regarding the Newcastle United takeover, whether that be positively or negatively.

However, journalist for the Shields Gazette, Liam Kennedy, believes that nothing has changed since last year so the consortium are still ready to buy the club, when speaking to FFC.

It appears a long time ago now but just over 12 months ago, Newcastle fans were dreaming of being a money-rich club that would be able to compete with clubs challenging for the top half of the league and Europa League, but now it appears very much in the unknown whether or not PCP Capital Partners, backed largely by PIF, will be the club's new owners anytime soon.

Mike Ashley and his legal team are currently in an anti-competition case against the Premier League and the big arbitration battle is set to start sometime this month, and that outcome will be legally binding, no matter what the verdict is.

Despite more than 12 months in the wilderness regarding the takeover, there is still confidence that Newcastle will get new owners as PCP Capital Partners still have everything in place to buy the club when they get the green light, according to Kennedy who spoke to Football FanCast:

"I wouldn't say it was straightforward but, are the consortium ready to go? Yes, that is my understanding, that very little has changed in the last year."

Ashley has never been the most forthcoming owner in terms of spending money on players, managers or the general upkeeping of the club so, a new owner who would hold an active interest in the team and city is very much needed on Tyneside.

The Sports Direct tycoon is confident that he can win the legal battles and then get the takeover passed through which would see him become £340 million wealthier, not that he needs the money judging by the Sunday Times' rich list.