Amnesty International has warned the Premier League that it risks becoming a "patsy" if it allows a Saudi takeover of Newcastle United.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which is headed up by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is leading the way on a £300 million ($375m) bid to take the club out of current owner Mike Ashley's hands.
The Saudi group would own 80 per cent of the club. The remaining 20% will be split between Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners (10%) and British businessmen the Reuben brothers (10%).
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Though a deal appears close, plenty have objected to a regime accused of many human rights abuses being involved in the Premier League.