Newcastle United could finally be in new hands this weekend as the protracted sale of the club looks set to go through.

Barry Moat, the Tyneside-based businessman, is reported to have had an offer of £100 million accepted by current owner Mike Ashley at the weekend and is believed to be confident that a deal can be put in place in the next few days.

All manner of deadlines have elapsed without resolution since Ashley declared his intention to sell Newcastle after their relegation from the Premier League, but with Kevin Keegan's case for constructive dismissal against Newcastle set to be concluded by Friday, the signs are good.

Moat's consortium is believed to have an American influence, although the extent of their involvement at this stage is unknown.

Newcastle's success in the Championship has reignited interest in the club, but one barrier to the deal appears to be the complications surrounding the club's £39 million overdraft facility.