According to transfer expert Duncan Castles, Newcastle United owner and chairman Mike Ashley has prevented the prospective new owners from getting in touch with head coach Steve Bruce. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are looking to complete a £300 million takeover of the Magpies, but the Premier League’s directors’ and owners’ test is delaying the move. 11 Newcastle players are out of contract at the end of the season and PIF want to speak to Bruce before making a final decision on them ahead of imminent major squad changes.
However, Ashley hasn’t given them permission to speak with the Magpies boss.