Mike Ashley will sell Newcastle United if the consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley produces the cash to do a deal, Sportsmail has been told.
We have learned that, since January when Staveley's name reappeared as part of a group including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Ashley has joked about walking down his driveway and opening his mailbox every morning only to find no cheque inside.
Fresh reports surfaced this week claiming a deal has moved closer and that paperwork from both sides had been submitted to the Premier League.
Mike Ashley will sell Newcastle if consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley produces the cash
However, sources at the Premier League have indicated they will only become 'interested' once instructed by the seller that a deal has been reached and the takeover process can begin, although documents being lodged is a step in the right direction.