Newcastle hero Rob Lee has pleaded with Mike Ashley to update the fans on the club's takeover situation.

Magpies supporters entered June buoyed by positive talks between Ashley and manager Rafa Benitez about the club's transfer goals.

However, Benitez has reportedly become frustrated by Newcastle's inactivity in the market and has threatened to walk if the situation doesn't change.

"Optimism has been replaced by a lot of anxiety," said Lee. "Just last month, Newcastle was in a very good place. Talks between Ashley and Rafa had gone well and it was all systems go.

"But the club has lost a bit of momentum. Everything seems to be cloaked in uncertainty.

"I don't know if talk of this Chinese consortium is a smokescreen or not but suddenly no-one knows what is happening anymore.

"Is Ashley looking to leave? How disillusioned is Rafa? Why haven't we signed anyone yet?

"Questions, questions when what the fans want – and deserve – is answers and a bit of clarity from the top. The longer this goes on, the more worried I'm getting."