Steve Bruce reveals what he feared a Newcastle United takeover would mean for him

The club last night revealed that the Premier League had formally rejected a Saudi Arabia-backed takeover in a strong-worded statement.

Owner Mike Ashley is now considering legal action against the Premier League, which is understood to have blocked the bid because of concerns of state interference in the running of the club.

Rafa Benitez and Mauricio Pochettino were linked with Bruce’s job once the takeover was submitted for approval, and Bruce, appointed last summer, has spoken about his situation ahead of Saturday’s Premier League season-opener against West Ham United.

"A new brush always sweeps clean, so I was under no illusions of what might be coming,” said United’s head coach.

"But it’s happened. All I can do is move it on, and say 'that chapter has gone', although whether it's gone, I don't know.

"There was nothing I could influence. But I always said, whatever is best for the club, I would go along with. If that meant a takeover and I wasn't here, then I was always of that mindset.

"Once it was knocked on its head, it was like 'right, I have to get my head back on that we're going back to work'. I had to work out how we could improve and go forward."

Bruce yesterday met Ashley at the club’s training ground after Newcastle unveiled summer signings Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser to the media.