Newcastle United supporters were buoyed on Wednesday by reports which detailed an imminent takeover at St James’ Park, but there is reason to doubt the tone of the narrative which suggests Mike Ashley’s sale is a case of when and not if.

Indeed, a report published by the Shields Gazette this week has claimed a takeover is looming on the horizon. The report claims (via Betaville) that Ashley, “is putting the finishing touches to a deal to sell the business”.

The tone that is maintained throughout the article is that the information being presented is founded on reliable sources. That Ashley has already travelled to the US to finalise the terms of the deal is certainly a hugely encouraging factor for the supporters, but there is a hint of deja vu in the air which suggests it’s too early for supporters to start counting their chickens.

At a similar period in time last season, Amanda Staveley was widely believed to be expressing a serious interest in purchasing the club, and photographs which proved she had met Ashley added a layer of substance to reports which evoked a feeling of inevitability about the takeover.

But there was no such luck and discussion over Staveley’s potential takeover slowly faded into obscurity. The manner in which the latest report has been delivered certainly exudes an assurance which Staveley’s interest notably lacked last year, and that will give the supporters genuine reason to believe that this time it is for real.

One of the problems which was cited as a reason for Staveley’s refusal to purchase the club was Newcastle’s precarious position in the Premier League – an issue which is pertinently apparent once again this season. That may well prove to be a sticking point in negotiations between Ashley and the mysterious investors but, with the January window looming and Rafa Benitez at the helm, there is plenty of reason for the interested party to take a mid-season risk.

While there is certainly no need to dampen the mood at Newcastle following the incredibly exciting transfer report, it’s important that the supporters take note of the parallels to be drawn between the latest headlines and Staveley’s potential takeover, as Ashley’s failure to convince her to purchase the club this time last year hints that he could yet hit a snag in his latest endeavour to offload the Magpies.

Newcastle fans – thoughts? Let us know below!