A fresh round of talks between Newcastle United representatives and Kuwait billionaire Nasser Al-Kharafi are understood to have been held over the weekend.

The Journal says although the world's 48th richest man has refused to rule out taking control it is understood there is still some way to go for a deal.

An intermediary working on behalf of Al-Kharafi has claimed another round of talks would be held over the weekend, but there are worries the global economic downturn will scupper a deal.