Steve Bruce responds to Richard Masters over Newcastle United takeover timescale

The Premier League has been considering a proposed £300million takeover since April, and chief executive Richard Masters today said he hoped a decision would be made “shortly” amid a backdrop of impatience on Tyneside.

Masters was speaking to the a House of Commons select committee, and Bruce, United’s head coach, was asked about his comments ahead of tomorrow night’s behind-closed-doors Premier League game against Bournemouth.

“We can't influence that, I have said it many times,” said Bruce. “I know you're desperate for me to comment on it. We can't influence that and we can't make it an excuse.

“We're all professional players and professional people, we just have to get on with it. As I've said over the last few weeks, we need a decision to be made, so let's hope it's sooner rather than later.”