Bada Bing

One thing this move has done is ensure the PL can't just reject the deal and resume unscathed as if nothing has happened. The PL have to make this work, or they are facing a hefty loss of value on the MENA deal (now and later), unhappy clients and stakeholders (BEIN and PL clubs), and no prospect of solving the piracy issue in Saudi. I'm still hopeful.

So Mauriss has submitted an opening bid of 50m more than the bid that has already been accepted. Right, ok.

BeIn sound rattled, publicly airing commercial threats like that is last gasp territory. Decision must be imminent now.

All bark, no bite. The government won't veto it for obvious reasons, and the buyers won't walk away. Why, when they have clearly invested loads to get to this point? Money talks, everything else can be overcome.

The amount of research and documentation involved will be insane: adverse media checks, politically-exposed persons reports, financial crime, reviewing the commercial structure and track record of each legal entity involved...we know much of this is highly relevant in this bid. Hence the PL will be asking for further info and detailed mitigation on a lot of this. They will be taking legal and government advice. Its a significant undertaking especially as most parties have probably got bigger fish to fry right now. Politically exposed persons and adverse media will be the PL's main concern, but ultimately money talks and if they get sufficient assurances they will give the green light, especially in the absence of any real government backing. With the heightened scrutiny and opposition, they will want to ensure the process is a rigorous and comprehensive as it can be within the rules , short of actually blocking it. My opinion.

The knock-on political ramifications if the PL were to reject it for non-commercial reasons could be significant and embarrassing for the government. Could also set an unwanted precedent and put off other potential investors. Given the statement yesterday from the culture secretary, the PL would be taking a considerable risk. It will happen.

All depends on whether MA's lawyers have enough capacity at the minute

No comment or denial thus far from NUFC or MA's reps in the wake of 2 pretty bullish statements from BZ group - is a good sign its progressing well.

The club will be in the dark like we all are. Not expecting anything from them.

Disaster written all over this. Oh dear

I got worried after reading the fans forum minutes. I interpreted it that the ambition-less culture of the club is as persistent as ever, despite Rafa's efforts. The mentality had not budged one jot.

Despite it looking rather bleak, I highly doubt Rafa would be anywhere near close to agreeing a deal with West Ham at this early stage tbh. His first choice is clearly to stay with us, but we look determined to f*** this up.

Horrendous game management lost us those 2 points

Oliver Burke cost £15M. Jheez

Perfect performance and the fans were outstanding

Shelvey has been magnificent, really stepped up today.

If the events of the last few days happened in previous years, we would have closed for business. Thankfully we have a manager who forces those above him to act.

If he can stay fit, he would keep us up imo. Great finisher

Perfect start to the new year. Get some signings and we can push on from here.

Well done fully deserved

Get the f*** in. Well done lads.

Thank Christ

We're up

I think Mitro should start for the next few games. Next to nothing is going to come through the middle, we need to mix it up.

I'm going for a long walk