Newcastle United's players are going into media silence.

The Sun says the players are refusing to carry out their media duties as they remain locked in talks with owner Mike Ashley over their bonuses.

Rafa Benitez's men snubbed reporters after pre-season defeats to both Braga and Augsburg.

Journalists were told after Saturday's loss at home to Augsburg that players were unlikely to stop in the post-game mixed zone for interviews.

It is understood that in today's training session they refused to carry out their pre-match walk-ons which show up in Sky Sports' formation graphics - despite being contractually obliged to do so.

Newcastle kick-off their Premier League season at home to Tottenham on Saturday, which will be televised live on Sky Sports.

Toon finished tenth last term despite being tipped for relegation.