Steve Bruce calls for decision on 'stalled' Newcastle United takeover

Bruce’s side was tonight knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City at the quarter-final stage.

And United's head coach was asked about the £300million deal for the club, which has been with the Premier League since April, after his team’s 2-0 behind-closed-doors loss at St James’s Park.

“I think everybody needs a bit of clarity,” said Bruce. “I’m led to believe it is the Premier League that’s stalling all of these negotiations, and if that’s the case, they need to come and make a decision sooner rather than later. It’s not healthy for anybody.

“For me personally now, though, we’ve got another game on Wednesday (at Bournemouth), and we’ve given ourselves a wonderful opportunity. We can’t use what’s going on as an excuse, but we need a bit of clarity, and for it to be put to bed one way or another.”