Newcastle's proposed new owner, Mohammed bin Salman, is on the verge of completing his £305million deal to takeover the Magpies. But such is the Saudi crown prince's wealth, it's been revealed that he's spent more than that alone on a fake Leonardo Da Vinci painting.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Steve Bruce is likely to be dismissed (Image: GETTY)
And it's now been revealed by Forbes that bin Salman will spend less acquiring the club than he did on a painting he believed to be by Da Vinci - only for it to turn out to be a fake.
The Salvator Mundi painting was purchased for £340m, however, the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum unexpectedly scrapped the painting's planned unveiling in 2018 - raising doubts over the authenticity of the piece.
Artnet reported a year later that the painting was on bin Salman's yacht, with three experts from the Louvre in Paris concluding that the painting was from Da Vinci's studio, but not from the renowned Italian himself.
It's alleged in a forthcoming documentary that the crown prince offered to loan the painting to the Louvre for an exhibition on Da Vinci providing it was billed as authentic. However, that proposal was rejected.
Newcastle fans reacted with delight as news broke of the impending takeover on Wednesday.
Fans have protested against Ashley throughout the majority of his 14-year reign, which now looks to be in its final hours.
When the deal is concluded, it's expected that beleaguered boss Steve Bruce will be relieved of his duties after months of criticism from the terraces, whilst fresh investment will be tabled for new players and to revamp the club's infrastructure.
Bruce was originally not expecting to return after the first lockdown when the deal was seemingly on the verge of completion before various obstacles halted proceedings.
But now Magpies fans are just hours away from the day that many have them have been dreaming of for years.