Takeover, transfers, new deals & injuries – Everything Steve Bruce said ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League opener

Ahead of the visit to the London Stadium, Bruce was asked about the failed Saudi takeover, transfers, new deals, his new players and the state of play on the fitness of his squad.

Here’s everything he had to say…

Bruce on #NUFCTakeover

"What is happening now, next or whatever, to be fair on Mike he only wants what's best for the club. It’s a unique situation that could have taken the club to a different level. It doesn't look as if it's happened so it's business as usual.

"Mike (Ashley) thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for the club to move forward if the takeover had happened. It was unique. But a new broom sweeps clean, I was wary of that. But I want what's best for the club. It hasn't happened so let's get on with it.

"Newcastle always seems to be in a storm. It goes like this (gestures up & down in a waving motion). There's nothing like signings to lift the mood among everyone. Everybody is delighted with the work we've done & that we've done it before the start of the season.

"The one thing a takeover does is it puts everyone into uncertainty which is never healthy. It would have been exciting for the club but it looks as if it's dead in the water so it's my job to get on with it. With our signings, I think we're better now.”

More transfers?

"I'm delighted with what we've done but I'll never say never. It's all right bringing people in but we have to let people go as well. It's unhealthy to have so many sitting around like (Henri) Saivet and (Jack) Colback last year. We need to make room."

Defensive options

"Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett still haven't fully recovered. Ciaran broke his leg and Paul has had an ongoing problem. They both had operations. Schär dislocated his shoulder & he's not right either. I think letting Flo out was the right thing to do."

On West Ham United

"Whenever you play against a David Moyes team you know what to expect. He demands hard work and resilience from them. They'll be a difficult nut to crack but we played very well down there last year. Let's look forward to the game and get ready for it."

Injuries – Ritchie touch and go

"Matt Ritchie [calf] is still touch and go. He's trained but we'll see how he is today. Matty Longstaff, Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schär and Dwight Gayle won't make it but we're getting a few back which is important."

Squad strength

"If I look at the squad, I think we're stronger than we were 12 months ago. That's the thing for me, to gradually improve us. We did OK last year under difficult circumstances but we can't just settle - can we progress and can we enjoy the season ahead?"

New signings

"We've got to try and create a bit more, make more chances and that's why we've brought in the players we have done, to try and improve that situation. They're proven all of them in one way or another so I'm quietly confident that they'll all do very well."

Lejeune exit

"With his injury problems, even after lockdown, and the lack of friendlies it was vitally important there was somewhere Flo could go and play. Playing out in Spain where it's not the same intensity of the PL will suit him. It's not the end of the line for him."

SB on new deals for Isaac Hayden and Karl Darlow:

"We're delighted to get them tied up. We've got a couple more that we're in discussions with too. I've been trying for the past 12 months with Isaac & he seems settled. Karl has waited patiently for his chance and he'll get it."

Muto exit planned

“Yoshi is a smashing lad. It hasn't gone as well for him as I'm sure he'd have liked but he's the ultimate pro. He probably needs to go somewhere and play. It's not healthy that he's not going to be involved."

Improved goals tally needed

"We've got to improve on our front players scoring goals. We got six last season. We've got to try and create a bit more, make more chances and improve that situation. That's why we've brought in proven players. I'm quietly confident they'll do very well."

Schar future

"He certainly has a future. You can never stop speculation at Newcastle. He is still covering from a shoulder operation, has an important part to play for us and is at least a month away from being right."

Matt Ritchie exit?

"I think he'll be staying now with the Callum (Wilson) deal done & him not in it. I'm delighted he's staying. The lure of Bournemouth was big, with his family and things, but it's gone and I'm delighted he hasn't gone anywhere. We were honest with him.”