US media tycoon Henry Mauriss has moved to trump the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United.
Mauriss has launched a £350m bid for the Northeast giants.
BBC Sport reports he has hardened up his interest and made a bid.
The proposed Saudi state funded takeover has caused massive controversy after the country was accused of TV broadcast piracy on a massive scale, wit the Premier League giving evidence against them.
They are also targeted by campaigners including Amnesty over their human rights record.
Should the Premier League rule the Saudi bid it too controversial and doesn't pass their ownership test, Mauriss is owner Mike Ashley's other option for a sale.
He wants to be in charge in time for next season which is likely to start in mid-September.
