KV Oostende have been condemned to relegation from the Belgian top-flight, but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Newcastle are in discussions with Oostende over a potential multi-club venture, with delegates from Newcastle visiting the club's KVO Stadium and training complex.
The Magpies are looking to expand their network in Europe, and it also believed that Oostende have held talks with fellow Premier League clubs Wolves and Bournemouth.
READ MORE: Brentford boss Thomas Frank questions Leeds United’s use of Juventus loanee Weston McKennie
United have not confirmed whether they have made an official bid, although there are reports that PIF will offer £10 million to buy the struggling club. With that in mind, ChronicleLive has taken a closer look at Oostende...
The club was founded as VG Oostende in 1904, and another club called AS Oostende was created in 1911. AS reached the first division in the mid-1970s, and the two clubs merged in 1981.
They spent 11 years in the Belgian third-tier before achieving back-to-back promotions to reach the top-flight. Oostende finished seventh in 1993/94 but would suffer relegation at the end of the following campaign.
Oostende spent only two of the next 18 seasons in the top-flight, and even slipped into the third division for two seasons in 2001.
However, Oostende would enjoy a 10-year spell in the Jupiler Pro League, which has now drawn to an end following their relegation this term. They achieved their highest ever finish in 2016 (fourth) under Yves Vanderhaeghe, and finished in fifth-place the following campaign.
Oostende played in Europe for the first time in 2017/18, but lost 4-2 over two legs against Marseille in the Europa League third round qualifying round. That period was the most successful in the club's history with Oostende also reaching the Belgian Cup final for the first time in their history.
Alas, they succumbed to defeat on penalties after drawing 3-3 against Zulte Waregem at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. The club also renovated the Albertparkstadion in 2016 and increased the capacity to 8,432. Oostende have endured a dismal campaign, and have not tasted victory in any of their last six games.
No other side has conceded more than Oostende (75) in the Belgian Pro League, while only bottom-place RFC Seraing have scored fewer than their tally of 35.
READ NEXT:
Pundit apologies for foul-mouthed Leeds United rant live on air after Liverpool defeat
Leeds United news as Crysencio Summerville outlines 'big Elland Road dreams' amid Raphinha mindset
Patrick Bamford, Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto questions on Javi Gracia's Leeds United agenda
Key Leeds United chiefs observation made as Javi Gracia sent 'in trouble' warning
Leeds United must roll dice and take handbrake off as do or die time approaches
