Mike Ashley's stance on 'Bruce out', potential replacements & Saudi takeover revealed in new report

According to The Chronicle, Steve Bruce's job at Newcastle United is "not under immediate threat" as long as he remains outside the relegation zone.

In this damning update, Lee Ryder claims that Mike Ashley is instead fully focused on forcing through a '£340m' Saudi takeover - not sacking the under-fire NUFC boss.

That's all good and well regarding a takeover, but there'll be no big money buyout if we continue to look such a sinking ship under Bruce and end up getting dragged into a serious fight for survival!

The Chronicle also state that Mike Ashley is reluctant to pay out a "seven figure compensation fee" should Bruce be sacked.

Not only that, the piece reveal how the NUFC owner fears any replacement would likely demand money to spend - potentially in the January window - with that being another expense he's keen to avoid and unwilling to offer now he's trying his utmost to sell up to the Saudis.

On the subject of potential replacements, Lee Ryder writes that available options such as ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe would want a budget for new recruits, while other managers out of work such as Tony Pulis and Garry Monk may be deemed no better than what we have.

After Bruce insisted after the game that he wouldn't walk and will only leave if Mike Ashley sacks him, this really is a grim and frankly scary update from The Chronicle, suggesting the current owner won't budge for as long as Bruce keeps us out of the bottom three.

We know his remit is all about survival, but ZERO wins in eight and ONE goal from open play in over 11 hours of football shows just how much we're on the slide.

Newcastle fans made their thoughts clear last night, but how long will it take for Ashley to see sense and protect his asset?

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