The sale of Newcastle United is reportedly still no nearer despite five consortia said to be interested in buying out Mike Ashley.

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins has joined German champions Wolfsburg on a four-year deal while Mark Viduka’s linked with Portsmouth.

Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt misses the start of the new season because of a partially dislocated thumb.

On one hand we have a big club that in spite of the crisis in the club, have plenty of talented young players combined with several established top-class players. On the other hand we see one of the richest clubs in the world, but the wealthy owners can’t seem to manage the club the right way in spite of all the money. The clash of two conceptions and two big top contenders will hold a lot of excitement as both teams are in excellent form.