United States media tycoon Henry Mauriss is being given a chance to enter the race to buy Newcastle United.
The Premier League club are still hoping the Saudi-backed takeover goes through.
But with that takeover fraught with uncertainty, Mauriss has emerged as another option.
The Chronicle says Mauriss has been told that a 5% deposit is necessary if he wants to be seen as another bidder.
The Magpies are wary of being played, which is why they want the money up front to see if Mauriss is serious.
For their part, the Saudi-backed group thinks that Mauriss is an 11th hour bidder who is too late, as their takeover will be approved by the Premier League in the coming weeks.
Mauriss, clearTV chief executive, has reportedly offered £350 million for the club.
