New report claims PIF and Newcastle United to enter phase two of project which aims to disrupt established order

There is a huge, metaphorical steel fence around the 'big six' in the Premier League and while its strength has been tested, it still stands strong keeping the likes of Newcastle United from breaching the established mega powers of English football.

Such is the Premier League's desperation to maintain order, rules around Associated Party Transactions were hastily created to prevent the PIF from pumping money into Newcastle United via sponsorship deals as PSR rules already prevented them from simply injecting their own money as and when needed.

It's led to what has been a slower rise up the table than perhaps many had expected, but despite all of the roadblocks, Newcastle are starting to upset the order already, but now The Telegraph reports that the PIF are about to enter phase two of the takeover plan.

Dubbed 'Project 2030', the next stage is a five-year plan which is designed to shake things up in the Premier League and disrupt that 'Big Six' cartel.

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Newcastle are working towards their five-year plan already

As reported by Luke Edwards, the key pillars of Project 2030 are to win a trophy, a new stadium, rejuvenation and strengthening of the squad and closing the revenue gap between Newcastle and the cartel clubs.

Newcastle could chalk that first one off their list on Sunday as they head to Wembley to take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

Work on a new/improved stadium feels like it is moving at a glacial pace, but progress is being made, but whether they can have a new stadium up and running in five years remains to be seen.

Newcastle fans will feel better now knowing that the PIF are still heavily invested in the club

Newcastle supporters are hoping for a notable transfer window this summer with the current squad not only too small, but also going a bit stale with a few players past their prime, but to suggest that Paul Mitchell can fix all of the club's issues in one window is maybe a tad too ambitious. However, we'll take any progress we can get on that front after three poor windows in a row.

The club released their accounts recently and while that revenue gap is still huge, it is closing. Newcastle have made some big moves in terms of generating revenue with some big sponsorship opportunities still to be exploited. Additionally, the regeneration of St James' Park or building of a new stadium, whichever comes to pass, will help massively towards that goal too.

What's the most telling for fans with this report is that the PIF are still heavily invested in the success of the club, especially given that this plan spans both the men and women's game. Fans were starting to question whether the PIF had become disillusioned with the Premier League after coming up against roadblock after roadblock, and those fears were exacerbated when the PIF invested heavily into the Saudi Pro League, with fans expecting them to drop Newcastle and focus on their clubs closer to home.