Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has delivered a harrowing update on the club’s proposed takeover while speaking to the media ahead of their Premier League opener against West Ham.
This week the Magpies released a statement revealing the Premier League had rejected a takeover bid from PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
In the statement, the Tynesiders wrote they wouldn’t accept the outcome, with the Guardian stating legal advice was being taken.
In Bruce’s case, however, the 59-year-old appears more resigned to the outcome and believes the takeover is “dead in the water”.
However, if owner Mike Ashley does eventually get the decision overturned, it could be bad news for the former Sunderland boss.
Bruce admitted himself he feared the worst when talk of the proposed £300m grew louder earlier this year.
As it happens, he was probably right. Sky Sports reported former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was in line to replace Bruce had the takeover gone through, with Rafa Benitez as a back-up option.
Players of Phillipe Coutinho’s pedigree were also linked and it felt like St James’ Park would have become a blank canvas for the cash-laden investors to decorate.
It remains to be seen if the takeover is actually “dead in the water”. However, in Bruce’s case he probably wants to draw a line under it for the aforementioned reasons.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
