The proposed takeover of Newcastle United has been put into doubt by a fresh claim made by a group of MPs looking to block the bid, according to the Daily Telegraph.

As per the outlet, a letter collectively written by John Nicolson, Damian Collins, Caroline Lucas, John McDonnell, Crispin Blunt, Virendra Sharma, Alistair Carmichael, Lord Judd, Chris Law and Baroness Young of Hornsey to the chief executive of the Premier League Richard Masters has claimed that the “Premier League cannot sign-off on the sale” of the Tyneside club to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund unless the country reforms its criminal justice system and releases all political detainees.

Indeed, the group of MPs were particularly concerned that the Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to hold an 80% stake at St. James’ Park if the £300m deal between Mike Ashley and the Saudi-led consortium is approved by the Premier League.

Also among the buying side are businesswoman and head of PCP Capital Partners Amanda Staveley and the billionaire Reuben brothers, who are originally from India but are now based in London.

It is still yet unclear as to what the final decision from the Premier League will be, but this letter by certain MPs may potentially throw another spanner in the works.

Nevertheless, it will ultimately be down to Masters and the league itself as to whether they approve of the takeover in the northeast, leaving members of the Toon Army anxiously twiddling their thumbs in the hope that it eventually goes through.

Geordies, are you worried about this letter potentially scuppering the takeover? Comment below with your views!