Dubai-based businesswoman Amanda Staveley took another step towards the purchase of Newcastle United after meeting the clubs current owner Mike Ashley for the first time.

Staveley’s investment firm – PCP Capital Partners – have reportedly tables a fresh £300 million (Dhs1.48bn) bid for the Premier League club, which has been under Ashley’s control since 2007.

The Sports Direct magnate revealed in October that he wanted to sell the club after a decade at the helm, with PCP Capital Partners quickly emerging as favourites to lead a takeover.

According to BBC Newcastle, Ashley met Staveley at an Indian restaurant in London last week after a new offer was made.

Staveley brokered Sheikh Mansour’s purchase of Manchester City in 2009 and is believed to have played a key role in Dubai International Capital’s £400m (Dhs1.97bn) bid for Liverpool in 2008.