Despite agreeing a £300m deal back in April with Mike Ashley, the potential new owners are yet to get the green signal from the Premier League.
The potential new owners – the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners – have already paid a part-payment in the region of £17m which is non-refundable.
The Athletic wrote last month that the would-be new owners have lofty ambitions as they want the club to be recognised as one of the powerhouses in the Premier League, but they want to make steady progress.