Newcastle takeover: Steve Bruce demands clarity from Premier League over Saudi Arabia’s deal

A group with investment from Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF have made a reported £300 million bid for the Magpies

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has demanded ”clarity” from the Premier League over the proposed Saudi-backed takeover of the club.

The Magpies boss insists the delay in approving the deal is “not healthy for anybody”.

A group with an expected 80 per cent investment from Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF have reportedly tabled a £300 million bid to buy the club from Mike Ashley.

The holdup in the takeover’s confirmation is due to the league’s owners’ and directors’ test, with no comment as of yet from the league on its approval procedure.

“I think everybody needs a bit of clarity,” Bruce said after Newcastle’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Manchester City.

“And if I am led to believe it’s the Premier League that are stalling all of the negotiations then they have to come and make a decision sooner or later. It is not healthy for anybody.

“... We have another game on Wednesday (at Bournemouth) and have a wonderful opportunity.

“We can’t use that (the takeover) as an excuse but we need a bit of clarity and get it put to bed one way or another.”