Omani Sultan Oabood bin Said is being linked with a takeover of Newcastle United.

The Evening Chronicle says the Sultan is rumoured to be the one behind the moved to purchase the club for a reduced price of somewhere between £80m and 100m.

The 68-year-old's family control the Gulf state and he is understood to be keen on raising the profile of the country to compete with the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

He is thought to be worth around £1.1bn, meaning he would be comfortably able to meet Mike Ashley's asking price and provide United's manger with a significant transfer war chest.

The Omani consortium is understood to have proved their wealth to Seymour Pierce, the private bankers charged with selling the club.