The Newcastle United takeover conundrum  – and the role Steve Bruce's future plays in it

Stick with manager Steve Bruce, whose side are rapidly in decline and on the slide towards a Premier League relegation battle, or bin him.

A seemingly simple decision which in itself has so many facets – not least the potential impact on the big picture at Newcastle United, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners takeover.

The £300+ million deal looks to be heading towards some kind of conclusion, a finality which so many have sought across near 12 months on the proverbial emotional rollercoaster.

And while there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to a Premier League decision, at the very least, a fresh spanner in the works has arisen – the drop. Bruce may be in denial about this, but most fans aren’t that daft.

Ashley is now faced with a conundrum. Allow the manager overseeing decline to remain in his post, which if not arrested could lead to relegation to the Championship, the PIF-led deal going up in smoke and any real prospect of getting anywhere near close to £300m for the club also up in flames. Alternatively, Ashley with trusted right-hand man Justin Barnes and club official Lee Charnley, could opt to roll the dice and change the manager. This would, however, require Ashley & Co to have learned from their mistakes of years gone by and prove they can act before it’s too late

The stakes at United are high, but it is the Gazette’s understanding Bruce is safe in his job, despite last night’s embarrassment at Bramall Lane and a run of no wins in eight in all competitions.

Relegation poses the biggest real and present danger to the hopes of a Newcastle United deal, and a potentially brighter future on Tyneside. It would also scupper Ashley’s business plan, which stretches its tentacles out much further than just a straight-forward sale to some Saudi businessmen.

That deal may well be done in advance of any relegation – hopes are high it might – although nothing is certain in this world and it is likely, at this stage, Ashley will allow Bruce to meander on, despite calls for his head.

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