Newcastle's transfer activity seems to have been put aside after the arrival of Valentino Lazaro as the club has been involved in takeover talks with Saudi Public Investment Fund, according to the BBC.

With Mike Ashley reportedly considering that approach, another group has entered the frame and held talks with Ashley and his aide Justin Barnes, as per the Chronicle.

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That news isn't exactly what Newcastle fans want to hear, as it is possible it can derail negotiations with the Saudi consortium led by Amanda Staveley, and some suggest it hints that Ashley isn't interested in selling the club at all.

Some feel the timing of all these developments is all too much of a coincidence, suggesting it is a ploy from Ashley to distract from the lack of transfer activity taking place.

Newcastle have signed just two players, both on loan, highlighting the fact that the owner has failed to invest significantly in order to boost the Magpies' chances success, and that fact is causing frustration.

To add fuel to that conspiracy a Saudi-led group was also rumoured to be taking over last summer, in the previous transfer window, and some supporters argue that takeover rumours always spring up in transfer season.

However, some are taking a more optimistic viewpoint by dismissing the latest development, indicating that they believe a sale could still take place, though history means they are perhaps being a little naive.

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Elsewhere, our team of Football FanCast writers have offered their verdicts on whether Newcastle's loan pursuit of a 26-year-old is the right move to make.