'It's important we try to address that': Steve Bruce insists claims Newcastle are stagnating under the ownership of Mike Ashley are a 'myth' ahead of proposed £300m Saudi takeover

Steve Bruce claims it is a 'myth' that Newcastle United are 'stagnating' under Mike Ashley's ownership.

In 13 years of Ashley the Magpies have been relegated twice and qualified for Europe once, with supporters long since protesting against his running of the club.

Ashley's tenure is nearing its end with the proposed £300million Saudi-led takeover awaiting Premier League approval.

But Bruce, whose side have 43 points and are 13th in the Premier League, believes it is wrong to say the club is not moving forward.