Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley remain some distance apart in their attempts to strike a deal for Newcastle despite suggestions that an agreement is close, Press Association Sport understands.
Excitement levels on Tyneside rose on Wednesday amid claims that a breakthrough was seemingly imminent with Staveley's PCP Capital Partners moving inexorably towards a £300million swoop.
However, while a dialogue between the two parties is ongoing, it is understood that there are still significant stumbling blocks, not the least of which is Staveley's desire to have some form of protection should the club be relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.