Mike Ashley holds face-to-face talks with Amanda Staveley

Mike Ashley's proposed sale of Newcastle United has reportedly moved a step closer after meeting face to face with Amanda Staveley for the first time this week.

The Magpies owner officially put the club up for sale on October 16 with the intention of finalising an agreement with any interested parties before Christmas.

Staveley's PCP Capital Partners group has emerged as the only serious bidder, although talks are understood to have reached an impasse of sorts earlier this month.

According to The Sun, however, Staveley and Ashley met at a London curry house on Wednesday night and found a common ground, giving supporters hope of an imminent takeover.

The same report suggests that the formalities will not be complete in time for the January transfer window, though, meaning that manager Rafael Benitez may again have to make do with limited funds.