Malaysian consortium given tour of Toon

The sale of Newcastle could have moved a step closer after a group of Asian businessmen were shown around the club on Thursday.

Press Association Sport understands the potential buyers, thought to be from Malaysia, were given a tour of the club's facilities and have since returned to London to continue discussions.

There was no official confirmation of the story, but with all interested parties having signed non-disclosure agreements, that came as no surprise.

But sources close to the club were not denying it either, and there is a growing feeling that an end to a saga which has rumbled on for more than a month could be in sight.

The identity of the group remains unknown, as do those of most of the consortia who have expressed a serious interest in buying the club.

Current owner Mike Ashley and the people closest to the ongoing negotiations were optimistic on Wednesday that significant progress could be made within 48 hours, and while there is still much ground to be covered, it appears things are now moving more rapidly.

Indeed, there is a feeling that a deal could be struck within days and the decisive move could be made next week.