PIF made a long-term promise to Newcastle United that flies in the face of Richard Keys' claim that they are trying to offload the club.

As a difficult season draws enters the final straight, the club's Saudi chiefs are aware of unrest among a section of the fanbase, which cranked up following the derby defeat to Sunderland. But as Chronicle Live reported last month, PIF have no plans to sell up, even if there are interested parties.

Keys, the now former beIN Sports presenter, claimed in a recent blog post that the "project was over." He said: "Another whisper I picked up recently - and I don't think this will come as a surprise to anybody - I'm told the Saudis are looking to sell Newcastle.

"Regulars know I've been saying for some time the project was over. Apparently there are interested parties, but the Saudis want £1bn. £500m is nearer the mark."

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That claim is wide of the...