Mike Ashley meets Steve Bruce during training ground visit at Newcastle United

The club’s owner arrived by helicopter this afternoon and spent time with new head coach Steve Bruce and his players.

Ashley met new club-record signing Joelinton, who will face the media at 4pm with Bruce.

The billionaire – who put the club up for sale in late 2017 – appointed Bruce earlier this month.

Bruce will be in the dugout for the first time on Saturday when Newcastle take on Preston North End at Deepdale.