Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce insists there is “nothing in" claims Mike Ashley is close to selling up.

On a proposed takeover, Bruce yesterday played down the chance of the Saudi Public Investment fund buying the club.

Financier Amanda Staveley claims to be brokering a deal for Saudi cash to buy a Newcastle with a 20pc stake for the Reuben brothers tycoons.

Bruce said: “I don't get involved. It is an unsettling effect in everyone. We are just concentrating on the game tomorrow.

“If there was something to talk about Lee Charnley (the MD) tell me. At the moment he says there is nothing in it."